Summary
- The US military is exploring electric aircraft and hydrogen fuel cell technology for improved performance
- Hydroplane, a small business startup, is developing a modular drop-in hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system for aircraft
- Hydroplane has already developed a 120-kilowatt system and is working on a more powerful 500-kilowatt system
- The US Navy has awarded a contract to Hydroplane for a lightweight ground power unit based on fuel cell technology
- Onsite power generation of hydrogen for fuel cells is being considered to avoid logistical complications and hazards of transporting fuel sources
Article
The US military is exploring the use of electric aircraft powered by either batteries or hydrogen fuel cells to improve performance and operational resiliency. Hydroplane, a small business startup led by a CEO with a background at NASA, is developing a modular drop-in hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system for zero emission vertical lift aircraft. The company has already developed a 120-kilowatt system and is working on a more powerful 500-kilowatt system for the Army’s vertical lift aircraft. Hydroplane has received funding from the US Army xTechSearch competition and is also working on a ground power unit for the US Navy.
Hydroplane’s focus on developing hydrogen fuel cell technology for aircraft and ground power units has caught the attention of the US military. The company aims to provide durable, resilient systems that can produce hydrogen on-site, eliminating the need to transport fuel over long distances. One option being considered by the Office of Naval Research is a modular system that generates hydrogen from aluminum pellets and water, which can be used in fuel cells. Additionally, the Navy is exploring the potential to produce hydrogen on board ships from seawater, further reducing the need for external fuel sources.
In addition to hydrogen produced from aluminum pellets and water, another approach to sourcing hydrogen locally is through electrolysis, which uses electricity to separate hydrogen from water. Paired with renewable energy sources like wind or solar power, electrolysis systems can generate hydrogen for fuel cell applications in remote areas. The US military is currently testing solar-equipped electrolysis systems for refueling fuel cell vehicles and using hydrogen fuel cells in microgrids and backup power systems. The Navy is also researching the production of hydrogen from seawater on ships for various applications, including water purification.
The development of hydrogen fuel cell technology for aircraft and ground power units represents a significant step towards reducing emissions and improving operational efficiency for the US military. By sourcing hydrogen locally through innovative systems like electrolysis or aluminum pellets, the military can enhance its resiliency and reduce logistical challenges associated with transporting traditional fuels. As the technology continues to advance, it holds the potential to revolutionize the way the military powers its operations and contributes to the broader clean energy transition.
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