In the fuel cell system, the chemically bound energy is converted into electrical energy via the reaction of hydrogen with oxygen from the ambient air. Based on existing fuel cell systems with an output of 100 kW (net), the BALIS project utilises an interconnection of several such systems in order to provide the desired electrical output of approx. 1500 kW. As with the other aviation-relevant components, the aim here is to achieve the highest possible efficiency and power density. In addition to the upscaling and interconnection of the fuel cell systems, their control and regulation technology and thermal management are also challenging. The high voltages of up to 1,200 V and currents of 1,200 A that occur in the circuitry must be safely controlled. The electrical power output of the fuel cell systems is measured in the test field and the safety of the test field is ensured by hydrogen and oxygen sensors, among other things. A corresponding explosion protection concept ensures correct subsequent reactions in the event of gas leakage.
