fuel cells
Fuel Cells in Aviation
Cleaner electricity through fuel cells
A fuel cell is a device that transforms the energy of hydrogen into electricity by combining the hydrogen with oxygen in a “cold” combustion. The only exhaust products are water, heat and oxygen-depleted air. Fuel cells produce electricity in a cleaner, more efficient way than combustion engines. In addition, the water by-product can be used for the aircraft’s water and waste system, which saves weight and therefore reduces fuel consumption and emissions. This technology is still in its early stages and it will take some time before a commercial aircraft can fly powered by fuel cells. However, key steps forward are being made regularly. Collaborative processes Airbus engineers are looking at fuel cells for an airliner’s cabin and systems, to power such elements as the air conditioning or to start the engine. Together with its research partners, Airbus successfully performed the first test flight on a civil transport aircraft in 2008, where a fuel cell system provided power for the aircraft’s back-up systems. |
In June 2011, Airbus partnered with Parker Aerospace to make further progress in using fuel cells to power the aircraft system.
Airbus also has joined with the DLR German aerospace centre, particularly on topics concerning the use of fuel cell for emission-free ground operations. In order to gain more details on the potential of fuel cell technology as supply for electric power in aircraft ground operation, a DLR-designed technology demonstrator was installed in its A320 test aircraft in July 2011. Source: Airbus Industrie, © Airbus S.A.S.2014. All rights reserved.
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SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Public Lecture — A Blueprint for New Fuel Cell Catalysts
Daniel Friebel, a SLAC associate staff scientist who studies chemical processes involving catalysts, delivered the Lecture on: Tuesday, 26th March 2013.
Daniel Friebel, a SLAC associate staff scientist who studies chemical processes involving catalysts, delivered the Lecture on: Tuesday, 26th March 2013.
Three automakers—Ford, Nissan and Daimler—have signed an agreement to work together to develop a common fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) system. Each company will make an equal investment in the project, and work will be done at various locations across the globe.
“Working together will significantly help speed this technology to market at a more affordable cost to our customers,” said Raj Nair, a Ford vice president. The automakers hope to be ready to sell the world’s first affordable, mass-market FCEV as early as 2017. Mitsuhiko Yamashita, Nissan executive vice president, called the technology “the obvious next step to complement today’s battery electric vehicles.” FCEVs work by having hydrogen—stored in an on-board tank—react with oxygen in the air. Following this reaction, the electricity for the car is generated in the vehicle’s fuel cell stack. Heat and water vapor are the only by-products. Job one for the automakers is developing a common fuel cell stack and fuel cell system. |
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With intelligent powertrain design and optimal matching of the fuel cell system and the integrated battery, the vehicle's efficiency factor can be further considerably improved.
The fuel cell drive unit does not have to be dimensioned to cater for the electric motor's maximum load: The basic power requirements are met by the fuel cell system, and peak loads are covered by the battery, which is charged both by current from the fuel cell and by the energy recuperated during braking. |