Hybrid fuel cell power modules in more- and all-electric aircraft

Abstract

Aviation industry has put much effort into reducing noise, exhaust and other factors affecting the environmental footprint of aircraft. Future goals are set high and require much research in the fields of alternative fuels as well as alternative power sources and propulsion technologies. A very promising candidate is the combination of hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and electric propulsion. Together these technologies provide a solid basis for quiet, non-polluting commuter or regional passenger aircraft within a 2050 timeframe. To achieve this vision the technology must be further matured in a multi-iteration development process. To date hydrogen aircraft have mostly been proof of concept prototypes, lacking range, durability, reliability and payload requirements of the targeted aircraft. In an ongoing joint effort the all-electric HY4 will allow achieving the next steps of this process, pushing boundaries of passenger count, altitude, range and reliability. In a parallel development applying this technology to an APU replacement for commercial more electric aircraft enables aviation to profit sooner. Due to the reduced requirements in terms of power and energy a replacement unit for an A320 type aircraft could be ready for use in the 2025 timeframe. This would enable green taxiing and emission free ground operation of these aircraft. The presentation will discuss the current status of the HY4 project and the feasibility of a redundant fuel cell based high dynamic multifunctional APU replacement with improved controls for simultaneous electrical power and optimized ODA production for tank intertization.