Imagine a battery that doesn't run out and doesn't overheat, even when powering a massive plane. Current versions get too hot or aren't powerful enough for flight. This project creates a new 'engine heart' that works at very high temperatures, making it much easier to cool down while keeping the power high.
Current fuel cells for aircraft either overheat (LT-PEM) or lack the power density required for flight. This creates a bottleneck for zero-emission aviation propulsion.
A next-generation High Temperature Membrane Electrode Assembly (HT MEA) including optimized catalyst layers, membranes, and gas diffusion layers, validated in a 165-180 cm² single-cell prototype.
If you are an aircraft manufacturer dealing with the heavy weight of cooling systems for electric planes — this project developed a high-temperature MEA that operates between 160°C-200°C. This allows for easier heat rejection and supports a system size of 1.5 MW.
If you are a component supplier dealing with low power density in high-temperature cells — this project developed a disruptive MEA targeting 1.25 W/cm². This enables the production of high-performance catalyst layers and membranes for aviation.
If you are an airline operator dealing with CO2 and NOx emission regulations — this project developed a hydrogen-based fuel cell system. This technology paves the way for climate-neutral propulsive energy with reduced noise.
Based on available project data, specific pricing is not provided, but the project includes Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and eco-efficiency assessments to validate the development.
The project specifically assesses the upscale synthesis and assembly process of MEA components, moving from lab-scale tests to a representative prototype of 165-180 cm².
Based on available project data, there is no specific mention of licensing terms, though the project is coordinated by Safran Power Units with several industrial and research partners.
It addresses the thermal management problem of LT-PEM cells by operating above 120°C, making it more compatible with the aircraft environment's heat rejection needs.
The project runs from 2023-01-01 to 2026-12-31, aiming to reach TRL4 by the end of the period.
The consortium is led by an aerospace heavyweight, Safran Power Units, ensuring strong industrial alignment. With 8 partners across 4 countries (DE, EL, ES, FR), the group maintains a healthy 38% industry ratio (3 companies), balanced by 5 research and university entities to bridge the gap between fundamental material science and aviation hardware.
Contact Safran Power Units regarding HT-MEA aviation applications
Contact us to explore licensing opportunities for high-temperature fuel cell components.
