Boeing is collaborating with Sandia National Laboratories to determine the feasibility of using a hydrogen-powered fuel cell to provide back-up in aircraft. This is a new task under a co-operative research and development deal between the aircraft manufacturer and the laboratory signed in 2002.
The project focuses on use of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell instead of an auxiliary power unit, batteries or ram-air turbine to provide emergency electrical power for critical aircraft systems. Livermore, California-based Sandia is leading evaluations of electrical and environmental requirements, fuel cell efficiency, and hydrogen storage options and issues.
Boeing, which is preparing to fly a fuel-cell-powered motor glider demonstrator at its Madrid, Spain research centre, says the work is a step in its research into alternative energy sources to reduce dependency on oil-driven power sources.
Source: Flight International
