This week, Universal Hydrogen gave an operational demonstration of the loading and unloading of its modular hydrogen capsules on board an ATR 72. At the same time, it also unveiled a hydrogen fuel cell-powered, mobile battery charger for electric ground support equipment (GSE).

In a previous article, we mentioned Universal Hydrogen’s liquid hydrogen capsules. A demonstration was organised on 31 October at Toulouse-Blagnac airport (Southern France). It was attended by representatives of airlines, airports, official authorities and equipment manufacturers who are members of the Airport Compatibility of Alternative Aviation Fuels Task Force* (ACAAF TF).

The demonstration showed the loading and unloading of Universal Hydrogen’s modular hydrogen capsules into a test aircraft. And it was a success, thanks to close collaboration with Toulouse-Blagnac Airport and Groupe 3S, the ground handling company in charge of ground operations. The aim was to demonstrate that the solution offered every safety guarantee.

A hydrogen-based mobile charger

Immediately afterwards, the start-up showcased its fueling logistics solution called H2AmpCart. Developed in partnership with JBT AeroTech, it uses a fuel cell and can act as a mobile battery charger. This charger makes it easy to supply ground support equipment with electrical power.

Universal Hydrogen’s H2AmpCart modules are filled with green hydrogen outside the airport and then transferred by trailer to the runways. This approach optimises GSE operations and minimises downtime.

In both cases, Universal Hydrogen is showing that hydrogen can be used at an airport, without necessarily needing a suitable filling infrastructure.

*The ACAAF TF, which is supported by the Airport Council International World (ACI) and which is driving the implementation of new technologies in airports.

Do you want to learn more about Universal Hydrogen and its hydrogen capsules? Then our latest article on the American start-up should interest you. You can read it here.

Article written by Laurent Meillaud and translated by Logan King