French Company to Supply Fuel Cell Systems for EU-Funded Hydrogen Aircraft Project
Key Ideas
- H3 Dynamics, a hydrogen solutions company, will supply its latest aviation-grade fuel cell systems for the HyPoTraDe project supported by the EU's Clean Aviation initiative.
- The project aims to develop a 500kW modular fuel cell-battery hybrid-electric powertrain for small aircraft, with a target to launch hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2035.
- HyPoTraDe involves a consortium led by Pipistrel, Honeywell International, and others, and will create a digital twin for the powertrain system to enable scalability to megawatt-class technology in the future.
- H3 Dynamics' involvement in the project, along with partnerships with Raven SR and Airbus, highlights the growing importance of hydrogen systems in achieving net zero emissions in the aircraft industry by 2050.
H3 Dynamics, a French company specializing in hydrogen solutions, has been chosen as the fuel cell supplier for the HyPoTraDe project, a research endeavor funded by the EU's Clean Aviation initiative. This project, which aims to develop a modular hydrogen powertrain system, will utilize H3 Dynamics' newest aviation-grade fuel cell systems. The initiative, led by a consortium that includes Pipistrel, Honeywell International, and other key partners, is focused on designing and testing a 500kW hybrid-electric powertrain for small aircraft. One of the main objectives of the project is to introduce regional and short-range hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2035. In addition to financial backing from the EU, the project also involves collaboration with academic institutions such as the University of Stuttgart and the Delft University of Technology.
As part of the development process, HyPoTraDe will create a digital twin to support the future scalability of the powertrain technology. This digital model will allow the team to test potential megawatt-class powertrains using data gathered from the current system. The consortium's efforts align with the EU's Clean Aviation venture, which is investing significantly in hydrogen propulsion research among other sustainable aviation technologies.
H3 Dynamics' participation in the HyPoTraDe project is a significant milestone for the company, especially following recent collaborations with Raven SR and Airbus. The company's fuel cell systems will be deployed in a demonstrator that aims to replace the auxiliary power unit on an Airbus aircraft, marking a step forward in integrating hydrogen technology in the aviation industry. The push for hydrogen systems in aircraft is seen as crucial for achieving the industry's goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. However, a report by the International Council on Clean Transportation has highlighted the need to accelerate development in zero-emission aircraft technologies to meet this ambitious target.
Topics
Utilities
Aviation
Clean Energy
Innovation
Fuel Cell Technology
EU Funding
Partnerships
Research Project
Aircraft Industry
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