FUEL CELLS
ELECTRICITY THROUGH “COLD” COMBUSTION
Airbus and its partners are exploring the use of fuel cells to power aircraft systems.
A fuel cell is a device that transforms chemical energy from a fuel – such as hydrogen – into electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen or another oxidizing agent. By applying such a “cold” combustion process, the only waste is water, heat and oxygen-depleted air – which would contribute to reductions in emissions and noise when applied aboard an airliner.
Water produced from this process also can be used by the aircraft’s water and waste systems, reducing the amount of water an aircraft would need on board. This would contribute to reduced weight, which could further decrease fuel consumption and emissions.
Airbus has partnered with the DLR German Aerospace Centre and Parker Aerospace to study usage of a “Multifunctional Fuel Cell” (MFFC) system on aircraft to replace today’s gas turbine-based auxiliary power units. The system could provide an estimated 100 kW of electricity, acting as an independent source capable of providing power throughout an aircraft.
PUTTING FUEL CELLS TO THE TEST
Positioning of the Multifunctional Fuel Cell is envisioned in the airliner’s cargo hold, while the system’s liquid hydrogen tank, heat exchangers and fans are to be located in the tail cone section. Testing of the technology could occur in the middle of the decade on an A320.
In 2008, Airbus, DLR and Michelin performed flight evaluations of a fuel cell emergency power system on a testbed A320. The earlier fuel cell was installed on a cargo pallet and produced some 25 kW of electrical power – operating the electric motor pump for the aircraft’s back-up hydraulic circuit, and controlling the spoilers, ailerons and elevator actuator.
In 2008, Airbus, DLR and Michelin performed flight evaluations of a fuel cell emergency power system on a testbed A320. The earlier fuel cell was installed on a cargo pallet and produced some 25 kW of electrical power – operating the electric motor pump for the aircraft’s back-up hydraulic circuit, and controlling the spoilers, ailerons and elevator actuator.
SOLAR POWER
INVESTIGATING FUTURE SOLUTIONS
Solar power could have certain near-term uses onboard aircraft and in airport operations.
If solar power is a highly-promising renewable energy source for Earth-based applications, its use on aircraft has been limited because of the way such power is created and stored. While solar energy may be able to help a small aircraft fly, it is unlikely to be a practical solution for enabling larger, commercial airliners into the sky.
The technology might take a giant leap forward with future advances; but today, even if an entire aircraft was covered with the most efficient solar panels available, this still would not be enough to propel it.
For the more immediate future, solar power could provide electricity aboard airliners once they reach cruise altitude, or possibly help with ground operations at airports.
ENERGY HARVESTING
HEAT COLLECTION
Aircraft seats that collect passenger body heat for use as energy is an idea for future air travel.
Some of the energy sources being investigated by 2050 might seem far-fetched by today's standards.
Harvesting body heat is just one example: instead of producing energy, it would simply collect energy from a passenger's seat, and redirect it to power certain aircraft functions – such as the cabin lights.
While such concepts may sound futuristic, a proposal several decades ago for Airbus’ double-decker A380 – which has the capacity to carry more than 800 people and the efficiency of a family car – could have sounded equally fanciful.
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