High-temperature fuel cells power hydrogen evolution for Stralis

Using high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells, Advent Technologies and Stralis Aircraft are advancing the next generation of sustainable flight.

Advent Technologies is accelerating the electrification of aviation through its high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEM FCs). Working with Stralis Aircraft and other aerospace pioneers, Advent’s technology supports the next wave of sustainable aircraft, from fixed-wing platforms to eVTOL taxis and emerging flying car concepts.

“More than 100 companies, from startups to established aerospace leaders, are developing electric flight solutions,” says Gary Herman, Chief Executive Officer of Advent Technologies. “Whether it’s fixed-wing aircraft, eVTOLs, or even flying cars, Advent provides the key enabling technology that makes the future of hydrogen powered flight possible.”

At the core of Advent’s HT-PEM fuel cells is its proprietary Ion Pair membrane electrode assembly (MEA), developed with Los Alamos National Laboratory and licensed exclusively for aviation. The design allows higher power output and improved thermal management.

“By operating at higher temperatures, our HT-PEM MEAs allow aircraft powertrains to be cooled with smaller, lighter radiators, reducing overall weight and aerodynamic drag,” says Dr. Emory De Castro, Advent’s Chief Technology Officer. “That efficiency translates directly into longer range, improved performance and lower operational costs for electric aircraft.”

Stralis Aircraft, which operates fixed-wing aircraft powered by liquid hydrogen and fuel cells, identified cooling as a major challenge early on. “Thermal management is one of the biggest challenges in aviation electrification,” says Bob Criner of Stralis Aircraft. “By partnering with Advent early in our design cycle, we were able to integrate HT-PEM technology and fully leverage its performance and cooling advantages.”

While early electric flight programs used lithium-ion batteries with limited energy density, liquid hydrogen, at around 33.3 kWh/kg, offers a far more viable solution for range and payload. Conventional low-temperature PEM fuel cells have struggled with cooling and water management. Advent’s HT-PEM systems overcome these issues by operating above water’s boiling point, eliminating humidification and enabling lighter, simpler aircraft systems.