UBC researchers, BC-based Unilia and Harbour Air are collaborating on fuel cells of the future.
A fuel cell powerful enough to help propel an aircraft needs to be light enough to leave the ground-and durable enough to keep working in the demanding conditions of flight.
UBC Okanagan researchers and BC-based Unilia (Canada) Fuel Cells Inc. are joining forces to explore how to build the cells of the future.
"Designing fuel cells for aviation presents different challenges than building them for use on roads, rail or water," explains Dr. Joshua Brinkerhoff, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at UBC Okanagan . "Aircraft propulsion systems need to deliver substantial power while remaining light and dependable through changing temperatures and operating conditions.
"Working with Unilia gives us an opportunity to connect fundamental research with fuel cell development and create new designs specifically tailored for aviation."
The $10.6-million collaborative project includes a $3.7-million contribution from the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT) . Supported by the Government of Canada, INSAT is administered by Strix, a non-profit organization that promotes innovation and collaborative research in the Canada's aerospace, defence and related sectors.
Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity without the emissions produced by combustion engines during operation. But fuel-cell stacks used in automotive and heavy-duty vehicle sectors have yet to meet the demanding weight, performance and durability requirements of commercial aircraft.
UBC researchers will model and optimize fuel cell-battery hybrid configurations, study the supporting systems needed aboard an aircraft, and test materials under conditions relevant to flight.
Unilia will pair high-performance fuel cell cores with lightweight components to build a compact, high-power stack that runs at high temperatures and low humidity.
Together, the partners aim to demonstrate the technical viability of a fuel-cell-stack prototype with enough power density to suit short- and medium-range commercial aircraft.
"Some of the most meaningful advances happen when expertise from different industries and disciplines comes together," says Dr. Carmen Chuy, manager of the Technology Development Program at Unilia.
"We're excited to bring our many years of experience developing fuel cells for demanding heavy-duty applications into this collaboration, while drawing on UBC's aerospace, materials and systems expertise. That diversity of perspective will help us rethink fuel cell design around the very different requirements of aviation."
The project also combines expertise from Dr. Előd Gyenge, a professor in the UBC Vancouver Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering , who will lead research on fuel cell materials. Harbour Air Aerospace Services Ltd. will provide technical advice informed by its experience with aircraft design and electrification.
"This project reflects the strength of Canada's aerospace innovation ecosystem, bringing together leading researchers and industry experts to advance promising hydrogen fuel cell technologies. Through INSAT's support, we are helping accelerate the development of solutions that can enhance Canada's competitiveness while contributing to a more sustainable future for aviation," says Denis Godin, Chief Technology Officer and Deputy CEO of Strix.
The team will develop aviation-specific designs that improve fuel cell performance and durability. Their findings could help address technical barriers to using hydrogen fuel cells in future aircraft, notes Dr. Brinkerhoff.
"While further development and testing would be required before the technology could be used in commercial flight, this project represents a crucial step in advancing fuel cell technology for aviation," says Dr. Brinkerhoff. "It's very exciting. There is a huge need and potential for this technology."
