Scope:
The scope of this new standard is the usage of hydrogen PEM fuel cells for generation of electrical power for the propulsion systems and for the aeroplane electrical systems that distribute for critical systems (primary power) such as flight controls, hydraulic, pneumatic and avionic. The standard shall cover all equipment, subsystems and installation, aspects that allow the hydrogen PEM fuel cell system to perform its intended function, such as energy buffering elements (batteries, supercaps, flying-wheels, etc), thermal management systems, flammable and fire zoning, drainage, vent, inerting, etc. Aspects associated with maintenance are also part of the scope.
The standard shall also provide an acceptable means for the certification of the hydrogen PEM fuel cell system in the intended context of usage, including aspects of calculations, simulations, analysis, lab, ground and flight testing as applicable.
Rationale:
Currently, there are several proposals of usage of fuel cells for generation of power onboard aircraft to supply electrical propulsion systems and for primary power supply for critical systems of the aircraft such as flight controls and avionics. Existing standards regarding fuel cell for aviation were elaborated when the objective of the usage of fuel cells was for secondary or non-critical applications, such as galley power, APU, electric taxi, medevac, etc. none of them considering propulsion or critical systems, including those standards already published by this committee.
Therefore, there is a need to address this kind of application. A survey was carried out to understand the best way to address that issue and the results pointed out for a new standard dedicated for fuel cells for propulsion opposed to revising the existing standards. This result was presented in July 2022 and the proposal for a new standard dedicated for hydrogen fuel cells for propulsion standard was approved. Members and coordination agreed on the viability of starting this activity by mid-2023, with the expected release in 18 months.
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