- AVL and Red Bull join forces in developing cutting-edge lightweight fuel cell technology
- Due to ultra-high power density and lightweight design the technology is to be twothirds lighter than conventional fuel cell systems
- The partnership fosters the application of sustainable hydrogen-powered propulsion systems in high-performance automotive, motorsport and aviation
Mobility technology company AVL is partnering with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the high-performance arm of Red Bull Racing Group, to develop the next generation of ultra-high-power density fuel cell technology. The lightweight solutions are expected to be two-thirds lighter than conventional fuel cell systems, thereby paving the way for net-zero carbon emissions across high-performance automotive, motorsport and aviation industries.
Graz/ Milton Keynes, Austria/ United Kingdom,– This collaboration combines AVL’s industry leading portfolio of PEM fuel cell technology and Red Bull’s winning technologies and novel methodologies in lightweight design, construction, and aerodynamics. This project is expected to deliver a fuel cell system for high performance application that exceeds those currently available globally. Joint investigations indicate that upon successful completion, dramatic improvements in gravimetric power density can be achieved with values towards 6kW/kg on stack level and 2kW/kg on fuel cell system level. This technology has the potential to result in the world’s highest gravimetric power density PEM fuel cell system.
The solutions to be achieved will be a significant milestone in net-zero carbon technology innovation, enabling sectors such as aerospace, future motorsport series, and a multitude of other maximum payload applications to have the power density figures required in hydrogen mobility.
Rob Gray, Technical Director, Red Bull Advanced Technologies: “We are delighted to be working with AVL on this collaboration to increase fuel cell power density and thus improve performance. It goes to show how beneficial the application of cutting edge F1 inspired engineering can be with solving real-world problems.”
Jürgen Rechberger, Vice President, AVL: “We are very proud to be working closely with Red Bull. This partnership will combine the knowledge and experience of our experts,
allowing us to improve the gravimetric power density of our fuel cell technology by a factor of three and hence meet the requirements of high-performance applications like aviation and racing.”
About AVL
With more than 12,200 employees, AVL is one of the world’s leading mobility technology companies for development, simulation, and testing in the automotive industry and in other sectors such as rail, marine, and energy. Based on extensive in-house research activities, AVL delivers concepts, technology solutions, methodologies, and development tools for a greener, safer, and better world of mobility and beyond.
AVL supports international partners and customers in their sustainable and digital transformation. The focus lies on the areas of electrification, software, AI and automation. In addition, AVL supports companies in energy-intensive sectors on their way to a greener and more efficient energy generation and supply.
Innovation is AVL’s passion. Together with an international network of experts at more than 90 locations and 45 Tech and Engineering Centers worldwide, AVL is driving the future of mobility. In 2023, the company generated a turnover of 2.05 billion Euros, of which 10 % are invested in R&D activities.
For more information: www.avl.com
About Red Bull Advanced Technologies
Red Bull Advanced Technologies was formed in 2014 with the remit to apply aspects of F1 technology to other challenges, both in motorsport and the wider world. With an aim to position Red Bull Advanced Technologies as the leading competitor in technology solutions, they bring exceptional engineering, design, technology, simulation and production capabilities to a hugely diverse set of industries, helping to create a smarter, better future. From human powered machines to hypercars and everything in between including submersibles, flying machines and future mobility solutions, with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the possibilities are limitless.
For more information: www.redbulladvancedtechnologies.com
Read the most up to date Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry news at FuelCellsWorks
