RegGuheert
Well-known member
Thanks! That sounds like a clever and outstanding use for H2 fuel cells. It solves a real business issue and reduces emissions around airports.GRA said:Via GCC:http://www.greencarcongress.com/2016/02/20160203-easyjet.htmleasyJet to trial electric taxi system in aircraft; H2 fuel cells, batteries and wheel motors
European carrier easyJet plans to test an electric taxi system later this year that utilizes a hydrogen fuel cell stowed in the hold, batteries charged by regenerative braking, and electric wheel motors. The energy can then be used by the aircraft when taxiing without needing to use the jet engines. Due to the high frequency and short sector lengths of easyJet’s operations, around 4% of the airline’s total fuel consumed annually is used when the airline’s aircraft are taxiing. . . .
I wonder how this compares with other electric taxiing systems which run from electricity provided by the APU. The question I have is whether or not the APU is running during taxiing. I would say it must be on during that time. So does the fuel cell provide benefits even if the APU is running anyway? Perhaps the simple answer is that easyJet is purchasing a turnkey system which has been qualified to retrofit into their existing jets. The other systems may require installation during manufacture of the aircraft.
It seems the best approach is to use the APU, but replace the jet engine with a hydrogen fuel cell. Both Airbus and Boeing are looking into doing that:
Airbus 2014
Airbus 2012
Boeing 2004
Boeing 2003
Clearly Airbus' work is more current. Boeing's effort seems pretty dated, but the "more electric architecture" found in the Boeing 787 seems most conducive to movement to a fuel cell since the APUs are used primarily to produce electricity in that jet. Perhaps 450 kW is a bit much for a fuel cell using today's technology.