Ford Selects Eaton Compressors For Use In Its FreedomCAR Fuel Cell Program

SOUTHFIELD, Mich.--Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced today that it has been selected by Ford Motor Company to provide advanced air delivery compressors to the automaker’s FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership fuel cell demonstration program.

The vision of the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership is a clean and sustainable transportation and energy future centered on a hydrogen economy. Its partners include the United States Department of Energy and USCAR, whose members are DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Ford and General Motors Corporation; and five energy suppliers, BP America, Chevron Corporation, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil Corporation and Shell Hydrogen (U.S.). In addition, a large number of businesses, suppliers, national laboratories and universities participate in the research.

“Using fuel cells in automobiles presents a unique air delivery challenge,” said Glenn Gouldey, vice president, Technology and Planning, Eaton’s Automotive Group. “The combination of efficiency, pressure ratio, size, flow rate and cost requires a delicate balance that we’ve achieved through our relationships with multiple fuel cell stack manufacturers.”

Eaton has been developing engine air management components and systems for passenger vehicles and stationary engine manufacturers for decades. Its expertise includes Roots-type superchargers and by working with the fuel cell stack manufacturers, its advanced engineering group has successfully applied the supercharger compressor technology to the unique fuel cell environment. Eaton now offers additional types of compressors and compressor technologies for various fuel cell stack sizes and applications.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2005 sales of $11.1 billion. Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 60,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 125 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.