Hydrogen-Powered In-Flight Auxiliary Trials Announced by Airbus
Airbus UpNext Unveils HyPower Hydrogen Fuel Cell Demonstrator
Airbus UpNext, a division of Airbus dedicated to accelerating the development of new technologies for sustainable aviation, has launched a new demonstrator program called HyPower. This innovative program aims to explore the use of hydrogen fuel cells for generating non-propulsive energy in aircraft.
The HyPower hydrogen fuel cell system is designed to change the traditional energy distribution in aircraft by shifting some of the electrical load away from the engines and the auxiliary power unit (APU). By integrating this system, aircraft can generate electricity more efficiently and with zero emissions.
The flight demonstration of the HyPower demonstrator will take place at Airbus UpNext's facilities in Spain. The demonstrator, which is still known as HyPower, will be a modified Airbus A330 with a hydrogen fuel cell system replacing the traditional APU. The flight demonstration will reach an altitude of 25,000 ft and will last for one hour with 10kg of gaseous hydrogen on board.
During the flight demonstration, the HyPower demonstrator will showcase the stable operation of a fuel cell in-flight, including its restart. The demonstrator program will also explore the power balance between engines and the APU using hydrogen fuel cells. The hydrogen fuel cell system will generate electricity for non-propulsive aircraft functions such as air conditioning, onboard lighting, and avionics.
The HyPower demonstrator aims to reduce CO2, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and noise levels associated with a traditional APU. By replacing the APU with a hydrogen fuel cell system, the demonstrator program hopes to contribute to more sustainable aviation operations.
The new design features and integration techniques of the demonstrator will contribute to maturing the safety and operations of future hydrogen-powered aircraft. Airbus UpNext will procure a production unit for renewable hydrogen to fulfill the entire need for the test campaign.
Michael Augello, CEO of Airbus UpNext, has announced a flight demonstration aiming to take place by the end of 2025. The demonstration will utilize a modified Airbus A330 and a ground test bed for the hydrogen fuel cell system. The Spanish Government and external partners will be key enablers for the series of tests.
The flight demonstration will mark a new step in Airbus UpNext's decarbonisation journey and ZEROe programme. The success of the HyPower demonstrator program could pave the way for a greener future for aviation.
The HyPower demonstrator, a modified Airbus A330 equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell system, promises to contribute to more sustainable aviation operations by reducing CO2, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and noise levels associated with a traditional auxiliary power unit (APU). This program, under Airbus UpNext's ZEROe initiative, is envisioned to shift the energy distribution in aircraft by generating electricity more efficiently and with zero emissions.
Airbus UpNext's HyPower demonstrator, upon successful integration and flight demonstration, could change the landscape of the aerospace industry and finance, as it presents a promising avenue for decarbonizing aviation and aligning with the global shift towards technology that prioritizes sustainability and minimal environmental impact.
