A liquid hydrogen module developed by California-based Universal Hydrogen was demonstrated to successfully feed a megawatt-class aircraft fuel cell powertrain. The company maintains that this is the largest fuel cell powertrain ever to operate on liquid hydrogen.

The demonstration conducted at the Mojave Air and Space Port confirmed that the module and powertrain fueled the ground test rig for over 1 hour and 40 minutes, simulating a regional aircraft flight profile. The liquid hydrogen module holds fuel to power the test rig for over three hours at full power, with two such modules sufficient for 500 nautical miles of usable range.

The demonstration integrated a liquid hydrogen module and fuel cell powertrain. Source: Universal Hydrogen

The module stores about 200 kg of liquid hydrogen and can do so for long durations without boiloff. Internal components and systems convert cryogenic liquid hydrogen into the warm gaseous fuel that is consumed by the powertrain. Hydrogen leak detection and venting systems are also included for safe operations, as well as a leak-proof quick-connect for easy installation and removal of the module from the aircraft.