Airbus tests in-flight fuel cell

Hydrogen fuel cell successfully powers plane's electrical systems, raising prospect of lighter more fuel efficient aircraft

Fuel cells have successfully been used for the first time on a commercial aircraft this week, providing power for back-up, hydraulic and electrical systems.

Airbus tested the hydrogen and oxygen based fuel cell system in a test flight of its A320 aircraft. The company claimed that the cell generated up to 20kW of electrical power during the flight and produced just 10 litres of pure water as the only waste product.

The cell successfully powered the aircraft's test aircraft’s back-up, hydraulic and electric power systems, and also operated the plane's ailerons, the hinged surfaces attached to the trailing edge of the wing to help control the aircraft in a roll.

High gravity loads or “g” loads confirmed the system’s robustness as the aircraft performed turns and zero-gravity manoeuvres.

Airbus vice president of engineering Patrick Gavin welcomed the successful test flight, adding that the technology offered "tremendous potential environmental benefits and operational savings".

However, Quentin Browell, a spokesperson for the International Air Travel Association (IATA), said that it remained unclear how significant a role fuel cells will ultimately play in powering aircraft.

The weight of fuel cells large enough to power an aircraft's engines means that it is unlikely they will be used to deliver zero carbon flight in the medium term future. However, Airbus hopes that by using the water generated by the fuel cell in the aircraft's water and waste systems it will be able to cut the weight of planes making them more fuel-efficient.

The company said it now plans to continue developing ways to implement fuel cell technology to replace other aircraft systems, perhaps including emergency power systems and the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU).

In related news, Virgin Atlantic is set to fly a Boeing 747 on biofuel befo re the end of February. It will be the first time biofuel has been run in-flight on a commercial aircraft and is part of a joint venture between Boeing and airlines to research sustainable aircraft fuel.