FutureFlight
BASF's Membranes Set to Boost Performance of HyPoint's Hydrogen Fuel Cells
HyPoint claims the use of new membrane-electrode assemblies will deliver more power at reduced weights, making its propulsion systems viable for passenger airliners.
HyPoint
HyPoint aims to improve the performance of its hydrogen fuel cells using new membranes developed by BASF. (Image: HyPoint)

Hydrogen propulsion system innovator HyPoint and chemical company BASF are joining forces to develop high-performance membranes for use in HyPoint’s new hydrogen fuel cell system. The membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) is expected to achieve more than 3,000-W/kg specific power, representing an increase of at least 50 percent over the current system while also reducing weight.

This combination will make Hypoint’s turbo air-cooled hydrogen fuel cells viable to support larger aircraft when they become available for use in mid-2024. The California-based company is already working with developers of hydrogen-powered eVTOL vehicles, including Urban Aeronautics and Piasecki, but now it says its technology could power significantly larger aircraft, including airliners.