The Biggest Aircraft with Zero-Emission Hydrogen-Electric Propulsion Has Just Been Unveiled

The aviation trade has been making nice strides towards decreasing its carbon footprint and reaching net-zero carbon emissions in recent times, and an organization that’s main the way in which on this effort is ZeroAvia, a U.S.-based enterprise that designs and builds zero-emission, hydrogen-electric plane propulsion methods.

Partnered with Alaska Airlines, the corporate retrofitted a Bombardier Q400 regional turboprop with its hydrogen-electric propulsion system — uncover some great benefits of hydrogen-powered electrical engines for long-range flights in our article on the hydrogen flying race car —, with the purpose of creating a commercially viable zero-emission plane with gas cell engine expertise. This thrilling partnership is a big step in direction of reaching the aviation trade’s aim of net-zero carbon emissions.

At a latest occasion, Alaska Airways’ regional provider (Horizon Air) handed over the Q400 plane to ZeroAvia for analysis and improvement functions, and to have a good time this revolutionary partnership, the plane was given a particular livery; ZeroAvia showcased its spectacular multi-megawatt modular electrical motor system on the occasion, which is a key part in enabling commercially-relevant hydrogen gas cell engines for bigger plane. The electrical motor expertise, mixed with higher-temperature PEM gas cells and superior energy electronics, is bound to take zero-emissions flight to the following stage.

Introducing the way forward for zero-emission flight: Alaska Airways’ retrofitted Bombardier Q400 regional turboprop with ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric propulsion system

The hydrogen-electric engine from ZeroAvia makes use of gas cells to generate electrical energy from hydrogen gas, which then powers electrical motors to drive the plane propellers. To make sure business viability, the certifiable ZA2000 system will embody ZeroAvia’s Excessive-Temperature PEM gas cells and liquid hydrogen gas storage. The undertaking is aligned with the Sprint 8-400 airframe and is aimed toward creating a commercially-viable zero-emission plane with gas cell engine expertise. The hope is that this undertaking will showcase the necessity for brand new applied sciences and collaborations amongst trade gamers to realize net-zero carbon emissions in aviation.

Alaska Airways CEO, Ben Minicucci, stated, “It is a enormous step ahead in aviation innovation, and we’re excited to associate with ZeroAvia to make new zero-emissions choices a actuality. Alaska Airways has a long-term aim of reaching net-zero carbon emissions, and this partnership will assist us make that future potential.”

The undertaking is about to take off with a check flight subsequent yr, and we are able to’t wait to see the way forward for zero-emission flight expertise in motion.

Filed in Green >Transportation. Learn extra about Aircraft, Fuel Cell, Hydrogen and Plane.