56 July/August 2024 | E-Mobility Engineering Manufacturers are harnessing the potential of the cheaper, clean energy for shipping and aircraft, reports Nick Flaherty Harnessing hydrogen Fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electric power for e-mobility have a chequered past. This has been perceived as high cost, with issues when integrating it into powertrains and supplying hydrogen from pressurised tanks. However, there has been a recent shift to develop the technology for heavy duty e-mobility applications, such as trucks and trains – and now for shipping and aircraft. The latest systems are being designed as modular assemblies with multiple fuel-cell modules, supported by one set of infrastructure to reduce complexity and component count, and achieve higher power levels. There is also a focus on improving the design of the fuel-cell stacks to reduce the number of cells, which can easily run to 500, to cut costs. The European Commission approved its fourth Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) for hydrogen technology in May, this time with a focus on transport and mobility, with BMW and Airbus as lead partners. The Hy2Move project will support research, innovation and the first industrial deployment in the hydrogen value chain in transport with €1.4 bn of state money. This is expected to unlock a further €3.3 bn of private investment in fuel cells for buses, trucks, trains and aircraft, as well as for storage and refuelling stations. There are 13 projects in Hy2Move for the integration of fuel-cell vehicle platforms for use in buses and trucks, and in the development of high-performance fuel-cell technologies to move ships and locomotives. There is also a focus on improving electric aircraft technology. The first fuel-cell superyacht uses hydrogen to provide power (Image courtesy of Feadship)
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