Airbus is developing fuel cells to power in flight

Fuel cells provide electricity for backup of an Airbus A320.

When you add the fuel cell technology, the cars most often come to mind. Companies such as Ford have shown prototypes of fuel cells for future deployments while General Motors is the delivery of the production of fuel cell vehicles for regular Americans.

Today in the development of fuel cell technology comes from an unlikely source: an aircraft manufacturer.

Airbus was able to use a hydrogen fuel cell - developed in collaboration with Michelin - to serve as a power source for an Airbus A320 of the backup of hydraulic and electrical systems, as well as spoilers of the aircraft. In its current form, the fuel cell provides 20 kW and produces water as a byproduct of regular operation.

Airbus said that the water generated by the fuel cell can be used to board the aircraft water systems which save weight. Weight would also be saved from less fuel for aircraft would be needed for generating electricity on board.

“Fuel cells offer enormous potential benefits for the environment and operational savings,” said Patrick Gavin, Airbus Executive Vice President of Engineering. “This is another example of the direction of Airbus for an eco-efficient industry, which creates value with less environmental impact.”

Airbus expects to further develop its fuel cell technology to replace the emergency power systems and auxiliary power unit (APU). Replacement of the APU with a system of fuel cells would greatly reduce noise pollution has become a growing problem with airports.