While environmental pollution is increasing at full speed, companies are saying goodbye to fossil fuels one by one. After automobile brands switched to electric models, aircraft companies have also turned to alternative fuels. One of these brands was Airbus.
Hydrogen fuel cell engine era begins in airplanes
Airbus has announced that it has developed a new hydrogen fuel cell engine as part of its goal of putting zero-emission aircraft into service by 2035. Just like in hydrogen fuel cell cars, airplanes that will use electric motors will only emit “water” to the environment.
With the new power unit, the company plans that its aircraft will have a range of approximately 1,000 nautical miles (1,852 kilometers) and carry 100 passengers. Airbus plans to test the new power unit on 380 MSN1 aircraft modified to carry tanks of liquid hydrogen. It is predicted that these tests will reach 2025.
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The company has not yet given details about its new technologies. On the other hand, hydrogen fuel cell technology has been used by automobiles for a long time. Although they offer lower efficiency to battery electric cars, hydrogen fuel cell engines have a great advantage, especially for airplanes, due to longer range and short refueling.
There are still some hurdles to overcome before hydrogen can be used to power airplanes. In addition to being four times more hydrogen per weight than normal fuel, the hydrogen must be kept under pressure.
It is also worth remembering that hydrogen is highly explosive. Therefore, aircraft systems for storage and distribution need to be extremely reliable and durable. That means extra weight. However, considering that battery technology is still too heavy, it may be the only option available for airplanes in the near future.
Hydrogen fuel cell airplanes may be an important part of our lives in the near future. So what do you think about hydrogen fuel cell power units? You can share your views with us in the comments section.