Fuel Cells

Energy is all around us.

Advanced technologies for generating and harnessing energy—from fuel cells and solar cells to innovative energy harvesting methods—are creating new possibilities for airplane design and new ways of powering the world. Boeing is a leader in energy harvesting research and its continuing development towards aerospace and terrestrial application. Imagine a world where fuel was obsolete. Some of the most exciting energy research revolves around the development of fuel cells: electrochemical energy conversion device. Unlike internal combustion engines, fuel cells convert fuel directly into electricity without combustion or mechanical energy. Other than heat and water, fuel cells produce none of the environmentally harmful by-products of combustion, such as carbon dioxide (CO2). A fuel cell works by combining fuel on the anode side and an oxidant on the cathode side. These materials react in the presence of an electrolyte, producing electricity. Various fuel and oxidant combinations can be used within a fuel cell. For example, hydrogen fuel cells use hydrogen as fuel and oxygen as an oxidant. The world's best automotive engineers have already made several working hydrogen powered cars. Boeing is working to bring the technology to air travel. Boeing's Fuel Cell Demonstrator Airplane, shown at the 2008 Farnborough International Airshow, achieved the first manned mission where straight-level flight was powered solely by a hydrogen fuel cell. A one-seat Dimona motor glider was modified to include a PEM fuel cell/lithium-ion battery hybrid system. During take-off and initial ascent, the flight segment requiring the most power, the aircraft drew on the lithium-ion batteries. The fuel cell then provided all power necessary for the cruise phase of flight. While Boeing does not yet envision fuel cells providing primary power for commercial airplanes, demonstrations like this help pave the way for using technology in the future and give us important real-world experience to further our other fuel cell programs.