USAGE OF THE FUEL CELL-POWERED ELECTRIC DRIVE IN AVIATION

USAGE OF THE FUEL CELL-POWERED ELECTRIC DRIVE IN AVIATION

Paper in proceedings (conference paper)

Weight and consumed space of the fuel cell systems are one of the most important factors limiting its utilization in electric airplanes. Possibilities of its implementation in electric airplane are frequently discussed issues. Power – mass relationship depending n installed power of the fuel cell shows, that the power/mass ratio is unsatisfactory, when powering electric motor directly from fuel cell. Configuration with high-power small-capacity battery and relatively small fuel cell is more profitable. Some calculations were done for functional prototype of the small airplane VUT 051 RAY, its take-off weight is about 600 kg and its max. power is 55 kW. There are some practical measurements on the Ballard fuel cell system presented in this paper, which can documents disputableness of its usage in airplane. Hydrogen management (hydrogen tank, cooling system, armatures etc.) still represents outstanding issue due to high volumes and weight of the whole fuel cell system. Current progress in the field of the Li-Ion accumulators, generally decreases importance of hydrogen-drive systems and focuses more attention to simply accumulator powered airplane.

Weight and consumed space of the fuel cell systems are one of the most important factors limiting its utilization in electric airplanes. Possibilities of its implementation in electric airplane are frequently discussed issues. Power – mass relationship depending n installed power of the fuel cell shows, that the power/mass ratio is unsatisfactory, when powering electric motor directly from fuel cell. Configuration with high-power small-capacity battery and relatively small fuel cell is more profitable. Some calculations were done for functional prototype of the small airplane VUT 051 RAY, its take-off weight is about 600 kg and its max. power is 55 kW. There are some practical measurements on the Ballard fuel cell system presented in this paper, which can documents disputableness of its usage in airplane. Hydrogen management (hydrogen tank, cooling system, armatures etc.) still represents outstanding issue due to high volumes and weight of the whole fuel cell system. Current progress in the field of the Li-Ion accumulators, generally decreases importance of hydrogen-drive systems and focuses more attention to simply accumulator powered airplane.

FUEL CELL, ELECTRIC DRIVE IN AVIATION

FUEL CELL, ELECTRIC DRIVE IN AVIATION

PROCHÁZKA, P.; PAZDERA, I.; BENCALÍK, K.

2013

18.10.2012

Brno University of Technology

Brno

978-80-214-4610-6

Advanced Batteries Accumulators and Fuel Cells - 13th ABAF Book of Proceedings

351

358

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