By reconfiguring the MEA design and introducing targeted hardware tweaks, the fuel cell technology company achieved higher power density and improved its fuel cell system efficiency.
The gains ensure the fuel cell engines can be cooled with smaller radiators to reduce both weight and drag on an aircraft. Therefore, this supports more efficient hydrogen-electric propulsion.
Beyond aviation, Advent sees the redesigned MEAs as a stepping stone toward applications in defence, heavy-duty mobility and off-grid power generation.
H2 View understands that Airbus validated the redesign and performance work as a project milestone. The milestone allows the joint project to move toward “more ambitious performance targets.”
Gary Herman, Advent CEO, said, “Our membrane technology is unsurpassed and offers a versatile clean energy solution across multiple industries.”
Just last month, Advent also agreed to provide its updated MEA technology to Australian aviation firm Stralis Aircraft, which plans to trial a hydrogen-electric system on a Bonanza A36 this year.
Looking ahead, Chief Technology Officer Emory De Castro said Advent will continue to support partners such as Airbus in developing next-generation hydrogen-electric propulsion.
Yet despite growing activity in this space, hydrogen powertrains have yet to reach commercial success, with many aviation players instead prioritising sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) due to their drop-in compatibility and usage mandates.
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