ZeroAvia has revealed its intention to offer key components from its hydrogen-electric engines to other innovative players in the clean aviation space, capitalizing on the substantial market potential for its hydrogen-electric powertrain family.
ZeroAvia, a prominent name in the aviation industry, made a groundbreaking announcement today regarding its plans to expand its reach and impact within the clean aviation sector. The company revealed its intention to offer key components from its hydrogen-electric engines to other innovative players in the clean aviation space. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the substantial market potential for its hydrogen-electric powertrain family, showcasing ZeroAvia’s commitment to advancing sustainable aviation and reducing environmental impact.
As part of this initiative, ZeroAvia is gearing up for the certification of its ZA600 engine for up to 20-seat aircraft, alongside the ongoing development of the underlying technology for the ZA2000 engine catering to 90-seat aircraft. Market research conducted by ZeroAvia has identified significant opportunities in various areas, including advanced electric motors, silicon carbide inverters, low-temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (LT-PEM) fuel cell configurations, high-temperature PEM (HT-PEM) fuel cell stacks, and aviation fuel cell compressors.
- Advanced electric motors for aviation, including a 660 kW max-power direct-drive motor capable of speeds up to 2,200 rpm, and the HyperCore 900kW modular motor capable of speeds up to 20,000 rpm.
- Silicon carbide inverters – The 200kW continuous power bidirectional inverter design offers a power density above 20 kW/kg and is available in single (225kW peak / 200kW continuous) and dual (450kW peak / 400kW continuous) configurations. The inverters are designed and produced following aerospace standards, allowing a high-power density and reduced weight with advanced thermal management technologies and integration to enable reliable high performance for high altitude and engine compartment location.
- Low temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (LT-PEM) fuel cell configurations (in partnership with PowerCell) – ZeroAvia’s SuperStack Flex architecture is a customizable 100-400kW fuel cell power generation platform designed to meet a range of different aerospace power, performance, and packaging requirements, while maintaining exceptional pressure, mass flow rate, humidity, and temperature control.
- High temperature PEM (HT-PEM) fuel cell stacks and full power generation systems – ZeroAvia’s High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HTPEM) fuel cell stack is a turbo-air cooled modular system which offers up to 3.5 kW/kg specific power, supporting a variety of traditional aviation and VTOL applications.
- Aviation fuel cell compressor is a leading-edge compressor capable of supporting up to 900kW fuel cell applications up to 15,000 feet. The compressor is designed specifically for fuel cell applications and designed for aerospace standards from the start.
Val Miftakhov, Founder and CEO, ZeroAvia said, “Today we set forth plans that detail how we are going to bring our engines to market for commercial aircraft as well as the additional market potential in components generated by our pursuit of aerospace applicable fuel cell and electric propulsion technologies. We intend to secure as much market share for commercial aviation propulsion systems as possible as this will enhance shareholder value and ensure we deliver in tackling climate impact in the sector. While the market for our powertrains is thousands of engines across commercial aircraft, there will be other applications that are not strategically aligned with our full engine offering, but where our technologies can play a major role in the supply chain for other OEMs. And with the opening of the new facility today, we are also able to show ZeroAvia’s growth from ambitious startup into a clean aerospace manufacturing powerhouse, with a production site officially opened in Everett. The future is bright for clean flight, Washington State!”
The company is actively engaged in discussions with several firms working on electric and hydrogen aviation innovations, aiming to forge partnerships and collaborations that will further drive the adoption of clean aviation technologies. ZeroAvia’s component offering is poised to revolutionize the aviation supply chain, offering cutting-edge solutions that align with the industry’s shift towards sustainability.
To support the production of its electric propulsion systems and facilitate both its own powertrains and component offerings, ZeroAvia is inaugurating its propulsion center of excellence at Paine Field in Everett, north of Seattle. This new facility, spanning 136,000 square feet, will showcase ZeroAvia’s world-leading electric propulsion systems for aviation and house the company’s existing R&D operations.
Jay Inslee, Governor, Washington State said, “This opening is another milestone in Washington’s long history at the cutting edge of aviation and aerospace innovation. The transition to clean fuels is not only necessary to turn the tide against climate change and its devastating health impacts; it also secures Washington’s continued economic dynamism well into the future.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the propulsion center of excellence was attended by notable dignitaries, including Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, and U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene. The event signifies ZeroAvia’s evolution from a pioneering startup to a leading clean aerospace manufacturing entity, poised to drive significant advancements in clean flight technology.
Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Representative, United States said, “The hydrogen fuel-cell engines that ZeroAvia will begin producing in Everett are a huge step in decarbonizing the aviation sector. Washington is leading the nation in clean energy, making it the ideal hub for this technological advancement. I’m excited by ZeroAvia’s new milestone, and I look forward to continuing working with them as they leverage hydrogen’s ability to revolutionize the aviation industry.”
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ZeroAvia’s pioneering work in developing hydrogen-electric engines is positioned to revolutionize the aviation industry, with certification efforts underway for smaller aircraft and plans for larger-scale powertrains in the near future. The company’s strategic partnerships, engineering collaborations, and substantial pre-orders from major global airlines underscore its leading position in shaping the future of clean flight.
