Manned airplane that can take off and fly with fuel cell presented in Stuttgart

Manned airplane that can take off and fly with only a fuel cell presented in Stuttgart

On September 30, at the Stuttgart airport, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) presented what project partner BASF described as the first manned airplane that can take-off and fly exclusively with a fuel cell. The project aim is to evaluate the potential of the technology for future applications in commercial aircraft.

BASF is exploring using fuel cells as an alternative for an aircraft's electrical requirements, which are typically supplied by turbines. As an auxiliary power supply, a fuel cell would generate electrical power, heat and even potable water for on-board usage. Thus, BASF says, fuel cells would help reduce weight and electrical power failure risk as several distributed fuel cells replace the turbine generators.  BASF also says that, for the foreseeable future, fuel cells are not expected to be used for large commercial aircraft propulsion.

According to BASF, before being adapted for aircraft, the technology needs further development and testing. Three partners are cooperating in this evaluation of the high temperature PEM fuel cell for aircraft: BASF, as manufacturer of the only commercial membrane electrode assembly for this fuel cell type; the Danish company Serenergy A/S, supplier of the compact, air-cooled stack; and, DLR, responsible for the integration of the stack in the fuel cell system and subsequently in the airplane. DLR will also conduct the testing according to the special requirements of aviation.  

BASF says that first results from DLR testing demonstrate excellent performance of the high temperature PEM fuel cells even under difficult low pressure conditions. This technology is based on Celtec-membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) by BASF.

For further information and photos: www.dlr.de/en/ www.basf-fuelcell.com/en www.serenergy.dk

Source: Fuel Cell Today