Fuel Cells Propel Airbus to Prestigious Award
In 2012, Airbus began testing a new system that they believed could reduce fuel consumption in aircraft. This testing involved using fuel cells as an auxiliary source of energy to power nonpropulsion systems like lights and environmental controls as well as avionics and the hydraulics of the aircraft. Now, only a year later, Airbus has won the highly prestigious “GreenTec Award 2013” in the “Aviation” category for their efforts.
Through integrating fuel cell technology as an alternative source of energy for commercial aircraft, specifically through replacing the auxiliary power unit and the ram air turbine with a multifunctional fuel cell, Airbus succeeded in improving the efficiency of aircraft in the air along with providing an emissions-free power supply while on the ground.
Another benefit that Airbus discovered through their fuel cell integration was the reduction of weight on an aircraft. Not only does this weight reduction lessen fuel burn and emissions while in flight, but it reduces noise and emissions during ground operations as well.
“Airbus has always been a driver in making aviation more environmentally friendly and invests around 2bn€ per year in R&D to improve our aircraft’s performance. We are on track to meet the aviation industry’s short-term environmental targets that include sustainable and carbon neutral growth from 2020,” said Günter Butschek, Airbus Chief Operating Officer.
The awards ceremony took place last Friday in Berlin, Germany, and had around 800 guests in attendance. Every year the GreenTec Awards take place and awards for projects revolving around eco-management and environmentally friendly technologies are handed out. Experts from many different fields, such as engineering and science, convene to decide on suitable award recipients.
“Fuel cells are one of the most promising ‘step change’ technologies to make our aircraft even more efficient, cleaner and quieter. The recognition of our fuel cell project at the GreenTec Awards underlines the relevance of our activities. I thank our partners and congratulate the whole team on this great achievement,” said Butschek.
