EKPO to supply fuel cell stacks for round-the-world flight

As part of the Climate Impulse project, two pilots will steer the aircraft over 40,000 kilometres around the world in nine days in 2028 without stopping. The aircraft will be powered by two electric motors, each with an output of 200 kW, which will enable a cruising speed of around 180 kph. The necessary electricity is supplied by PEM fuel cell stacks from EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies. This is a joint venture between ElringKlinger and OPmobility (formerly Plastic Omnium). The green hydrogen is carried in liquid form in two tanks, each with a volume of around 11 cubic metres.

“We are delighted that our stacks will feature in this pioneering project. From our perspective, one of the key aspects was that the properties of our stacks once again proved a compelling factor when it comes to this pioneering project: compact design, excellent performance, and high efficiency. In particular, the high level of efficiency and, in turn, the low degree of hydrogen consumption is essential to the success of the project,” says Dr Stefan Dwenger, Chief Commercial Officer of EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies. “The project also highlights the very broad scope of application of fuel cells.”

In addition to the production of green hydrogen from renewable energies and its use by fuel cells to power electric motors, a major challenge of the project is to keep the liquid hydrogen at -253°C during the estimated 9 days of flight. This requires innovation in the development of customised thermal tanks that will open up new horizons in aviation technology. Technology from the US high-tech company Syensqo is being used for this purpose.

The Climate Impulse project was initiated by Bertrand Piccard, the environmental pioneer and Switzerland’s greatest adventurer. In 1999, he became the first person to orbit the Earth in a non-stop tour with a balloon. From March 2015 to July 2016, a manned solar-powered aeroplane circumnavigated the globe in stages. Piccard flew part of the stages.

“In this world full of eco-anxiety, we need to restore hope and stimulate action by demonstrating disruptive solutions that lead to sustainable progress. More than flying around the world with a hydrogen airplane, Climate Impulse will explore new ways of thinking and acting to promote a better quality of life,” says Piccard. “Efficient solutions will unite people from citizens and environmental activists to political and business leaders, shifting the narrative from sacrifice and fear to enthusiasm and action.”

Piccard will fly the hydrogen aircraft around the world together with French project partner Raphaël Dinelli, who is also involved in the construction of the aircraft. The project’s partner companies include Airbus and Ariane.

elringklinger.de (DC-Stack), compositesworld.com (background info), climateimpulse.org (project website)