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Home / Projects / Other Projects / Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Unit for Transport Aircraft

Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Unit for Transport Aircraft

This project conducted a feasibility study for fuel cell auxiliary power units (APUs). The study considered

  • weight, size, and power generation,
  • certification issues
  • existing background work

and how each may apply to fuel cell APUs for transport aircraft.

The study assessed the potential for increased reliability, efficiency, and economy with adoption of fuel cell technology and accelerated entry of this technology into the aircraft industry.

Project research

  • Compared potential fuel cell APUs to traditional aircraft power generators and how each addresses aircraft requirements.
  • Identified fuel cell concepts having the greatest potential for near term application in transport category aircraft.
  • Identified, resolved and documented issues of safety, integration, servicing, and FAA certification.
  • Designed and fabricated a fuel cell test article, developed test plans and validated test methods.
  • Tested the fuel cell to obtain electrical power quality under selected environments.
  • Compared test results and against baseline battery systems.
  • Assessed the overall future of fuel cells in the aviation industry.

Project Details

AFE 21

Period of Performance:
March 1, 2002 – April 10, 2003

Subcontractor: SAIC

Cost per participant: $137,225

Total project value: $311,175

Current AVSI Projects

  • RF Interference with Radar Altimeters
  • Artificial Intelligence in Aerospace Systems
  • Wireless Avionics
  • New Materials for Aerospace Systems

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