Fuel-cell APU to power future aircraft

Airbus has selected Loughborough-based power systems group Intelligent Energy to provide a multi-functional fuel-cell auxiliary power unit (APU) for on-board power in future commercial aircraft.

The agreement builds on previous work by Airbus on how hydrogen fuel cells can provide power for aircraft. The group has previously tested a hydrogen and oxygen-based fuel-cell system on board its A320 test aircraft.

In August, Airbus opened the Aerotec Fuel Cell Test Centre for the development and testing of fuel-cell systems. The facility has already tested Intelligent Energy's fuel-cell system for multi-functional on-board power supply.

According to Intelligent Energy, the fuel cell can be used for various applications in the aircraft cabin to reduce drain on the main engines and reduce CO₂ emissions. These applications include power for an aircraft's back-up hydraulic and electric power systems, as well as operation of the ailerons.

Henri Winand, chief executive at Intelligent Energy, said: 'The advantage of incorporating hydrogen fuel-cell technology into aviation is multi-faceted and part of the movement towards “more electric aircraft”. Not only do fuel cells reduce emissions and decrease fuel consumption but as we move to a lower-carbon economy, the airlines can diversify their fuel supply base, becoming less exposed to volatility in fuel prices.’