AMSL Aero partners with Conflux Technology

AMSL Aero told the Avalon Air Show in Melbourne, Australia, that it will use Conflux Technology’s advanced heat transfer innovation to cool the hydrogen fuel cells that power its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Vertiia, which will cruise at speeds of 300 km/h.

Vertiia will make its first flights on hydrogen-electric power in late 2025, using Conflux’s cooling technology. This will mark a major step towards AMSL Aero’s goal to manufacture the world’s first long-range passenger-capable hydrogen VTOL.

AMSL Aero Chairman, Chris Smallhorn, said: “In Vertiia, we are building a hydrogen-electric aircraft that flies record-breaking distances at Formula 1 speeds. AMSL Aero is committed to Victoria, Australia, for future development of Vertiia and Conflux is one Victoria’s industrial champions, making the Avalon Air Show the ideal place for us to unveil this partnership.”

The first phase of the project has been completed, which focused on developing three heat exchanger concepts which aimed to minimise weight and volume while effectively managing the continuous heat loads experienced during flight. Following this phase, the project moves into the second phase, where the team will optimise and manufacture a full proof-of-concept assembly to integrate into Vertiia’s hydrogen fuel cell system.

Michael Fuller, CEO and Founder of Conflux Technology, said: “Hydrogen fuel cells are shaping the future of sustainable aviation, and thermal management is critical to their performance. By integrating our advanced heat exchange technology with Vertiia’s fuel cells, we can optimise efficiency and further develop clean aviation solutions.”

Simon Coburn, a Hydrogen Systems Engineer at AMSL Aero, said: “This collaboration is a major step in ensuring Vertiia’s hydrogen fuel cells perform at their best, enabling us to unlock the aircraft’s full potential and push the boundaries of zero-emissions aviation.”

The Conflux Technology cooling solution will be optimised to provide cooling for high transient heat loads experienced during Vertiia’s vertical take-off, landing, and hover operations. Weight, performance, and packaging size are key constraints for aeronautical hydrogen powertrains and geometrical freedoms granted by additive manufacturing means heat exchangers for these systems can be lightweight and conform to the space available. Conflux Technology’s thin-walled, patented designs deliver thermal performance and low drag.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/28032025/amsl-aero-partners-with-conflux-technology/