Zero-carbon plane deals take off
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Universal Hydrogen and MagniX have developed conversion kits that include hydrogen fuel cells and electric powertrains to turn De Havilland Canada Dash 8s into zero-emissions airliners
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Dash 8 Q300: Ravn Alaska and Spain’s Air Nostrum to retrofit 16 aircraft and replace conventional turboprops
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1. Hydrogen modules: Three double-capsule modules replace 10 rear seats, reducing capacity from 50 to 40 passengers

2. Electric propulsion unit: Pair of MagniX two-megawatt EPUs replace standard 1,860-kW Pratt & Whitney turboprops

3. Nacelles: Hydrogen gas flows from rear capsules to fuel cells in aircraft’s engine nacelles

4. EPU: Provides torque and power at same RPM as propeller – eliminating need for gearbox

5. Fuel cells: Anode and cathode are sandwiched around electrolyte (PEM)

Anode: Platinum catalyst splits hydrogen into ions and electrons

PEM: Ions pass to cathode, negative- charged electrons create electric power
Cathode: Hydrogen ions, electrons and oxygen combine to form water

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Anode
Hydrogen 
Air
Unused hydrogen
Water
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM)
Cathode
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Sources: Reuters, FlightGlobal, MagniX, Aviation Week & Space Technology © GRAPHIC NEWS