Airbus Tests Fuel Cells System In Flight

Airbus has successfully tested a fuel cells system in flight. For the first time on a civil aircraft this innovative energy source powered the aircraft's back-up hydraulic and electric power systems. The test conducted earlier this month supports Airbus' on-going research to evaluate the potential use and environmental benefits of fuel cell technology and zero emissions power generation in civil aviation.

During the test, the hydrogen and oxygen based fuel cell system generated up to 20 Kilo Watts (kW) of electrical power. The emission free fuel cell system generates water as a "waste" product. The fuel cell system powered the aircraft's electric motor pump and the back-up hydraulic circuit and also operated the aircraft's ailerons. The system's robustness was confirmed at high gravity loads ("g" loads) during turns and zero gravity aircraft manoeuvres. During the flight test, the fuel cells produced around 10 litres of pure water. 

"Fuel cells offer tremendous potential environmental benefits and operational savings," said Patrick Gavin, Airbus Executive Vice President Engineering. "This is another example of Airbus providing leadership for an eco-efficient industry, one which creates value with less environmental impact."

Fuel cells are emission free and the by product, which is water, could be used for the aircraft water and waste systems, making the aircraft lighter and thus increasing the aircraft’s fuel efficiency.

This achievement will enable Airbus and its partners to further develop ways to implement fuel cell technology for replacing other aircraft systems such as the emergency power systems and the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). This would significantly reduce the noise and emission levels in and around airports.

The fuel cell system developed by Airbus and Michelin was tested on the A320 test aircraft owned by the DLR, the German Aerospace Center. Airbus has been working on fuel cell technology in cooperation with Michelin, Liebherr Aerospace and DLR since the end of 2005.

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