Advent Technologies embarks on hydrogen project with Airbus
Advent Technologies Holdings, Inc., an innovator in fuel cell and hydrogen technology, has announced a collaborative venture with Airbus to benchmark an optimised Ion Pair™ Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) for hydrogen fuel cells. This joint project, supported financially by Airbus and backed by Advent’s investment in resources and research, is set to unfold over two years.
The initiative aims to accelerate the development of Advent’s MEA and assess its performance against the stringent demands of aviation and the anticipated technological benchmarks. The focus is on high-temperature proton exchange membrane (HT-PEM) MEAs, which operate above 180°C (360°F). This technology is expected to address one of the most significant challenges in aviation fuel cell usage: thermal management. Traditional low-temperature fuel cells have struggled with thermal management in aviation applications, but Advent’s HT-PEM MEAs could offer a more efficient solution.
The project’s scope extends beyond aviation, with implications for heavy-duty trucks, the automotive industry, and marine applications. By potentially reducing the weight and volume of the powertrain system, this technology could simplify the balance of plant and cooling subsystems, offering a more streamlined approach to hydrogen-fueled transportation.
Dr. Chris Kaskavelis, chief strategy officer at Advent Technologies, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the shared vision with Airbus to achieve hydrogen-powered flight. The project is set to commence in January 2024 and will be executed by Advent’s dedicated MEA team under the watchful eye of Airbus.
Advent Technologies Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A., with a global presence, holds more than 150 patents in fuel cell technology. The company’s next-generation HT-PEM technology allows for the use of various fuels at high temperatures and under extreme conditions, catering to a wide range of sectors, including automotive, aviation, defense, oil and gas, marine, and power generation.
