Fuel Cells are the ultimate answer to all our energy troubles. If not in a shape and form that they are in today, they have a potential to evolve into something both potent and clean. The heavily bleeding aviation industry seems to be going the eco-friendly way so that it can cut both on pollution and on costs. In a positive step in that direction, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) demonstrated the world’s first manned airplane that can fly exclusively with the use of a fuel cell. The fuel cell, which is based on polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM), generates power for the motor glider’s electric engine.

While PEM fuel cells are not the ultimate answer to our energy needs, the aviation industry could use all the wind that it could get beneath its wings to help it fly in the tough times. The new fuel cell is not hard to manage and its relatively simple cooling needs and consistent power generation make it a true alternative. While the commercial version of this technology might still be a few months away at the least, one can hope for a partial fuel cell powered commercial flight maybe somewhere in the next year. That would truly be a journey towards greener solutions.

Via:Â Cleantechnica