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Design and realisation of a two-seater aircraft powered by fuel cell electric propulsion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

Giulio Romeo  and
Fabio Borello
Giulio Romeo
Affiliation:
giulio.romeo@polito.it, Politecnico di Torino (Turin Polytechnic University), Department of Aerospace Engineering, Turin, Italy
Fabio Borello
Affiliation:
giulio.romeo@polito.it, Politecnico di Torino (Turin Polytechnic University), Department of Aerospace Engineering, Turin, Italy
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Abstract

The main objective of the project is to develop and validate the use of a fuel cell based power system for the propulsion of more/all electric aircraft. The Rapid 200-FC two-seater electric-motor-driven aeroplane which is powered by fuel cells is at present being completed and will be validated during a flight test in Autumn 2009. Several configurations have been evaluated in order to install the new energy and propulsion system on board while maintaining the centre of gravity within allowable limits. The fuel cell system and the electric motor are being integrated on board. The FC stack will be able to deliver a maximum continuous power of 20kW. A battery pack has to guarantee another 20kW of maximum continuous power for a limited time period (15 minutes), during take-off, climbing and, in the case of emergency, during landing.

The main goal of the project is to validate the overall high performance of an all electric aircraft system which is capable of remaining aloft for one hour. A parametric analysis has also been carried out to evaluate which key technologies influence the performance of future aircraft to the greatest extent.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 114 , Issue 1155 , May 2010 , pp. 281 - 297
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2010 

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