FutureFlight
ZeroAvia Unveils Oxygen Compressor For Hydrogen Fuel Cell Propulsion System
The company says the technology will support aircraft fuel cell-based powertrains with power ratings of up to 900 kW.
ZeroAvia oxygen compressor for hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.
A high flow rate of oxygen is a critical element of a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, and ZeroAvia has introduced a new compressor to support this requirement. (Image: ZeroAvia)

ZeroAvia has developed a compressor to ensure the high flow of oxygen its hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems need to provide electric power for aircraft. The propulsion innovator said the new compressor will have the capacity to support fuel cell systems with a power rating of up to 900 kW, which includes the 600 kW ZA600 powertrain it is developing for aircraft with up to 19 passengers.

Announcing the new technology on August 10, ZeroAvia explained that hydrogen fuel cells require a high flow of oxygen for the chemical reaction in its stacks to provide sufficient quantities of electricity to power the aircraft. At higher altitudes, air compressors need to be powerful and efficient, while not adding excessive weight to the powertrain, which could compromise range and payload.

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