EasyJet unveils plan for 'hybrid' planes using hydrogen fuel
cells
EasyJet is a notable company who is
always looking to make flying more economically and environmentally more
efficient. With the implementation of hydrogen fuel cells on their airplanes, easyJet
plans to convert their ordinary airplanes into hybrid airplanes. This switch
would save approximately 50,000 tons of fuel and consequent CO2 emissions each
year.
Ian Davies,
the CEO of EasyJet, mentions his company is a low cost carrier, which serves as an
advantage for the technological changes to be made. This is because most of
easyJet’s customers will travel with only carry-on luggage, which leaves more
room in their hulls for the technology needed to transform their planes into
hybrids. The article further mentions that when the hybrid plane lands, the
cells would collect energy from the plane’s breaks. This storage of energy
would then be used to charge lightweight batteries while the plane is on the ground,
which in turn would be responsible for preventing the plane from using fuel
while on the ground. Surprisingly, the article mentions aircrafts use roughly
four percent of their fuel while taxiing so the hybrid planes will be
successful in saving a decent amount of fuel by storing energy while on the
ground rather than burning it.
EasyJet is
advertising their aircrafts to be completely environmentally friendly, but this
isn’t necessary true because their hybrid planes will still be putting clean
water to waste. EasyJet still plans to use clean water in their hybrid plane’s
toilets and sinks. However, Ian Davies claims to be looking for a solution to
this problem. After learning that the hybrid planes will still entail features
that are not environmentally savvy, one is left to question if the planes will
still carry fuel in the case that the hydrogen fuel cells encounter flaws in
creating and storing energy. Accordingly, another issue the easyJet’s hybrid
planes may face is finding people to invest in them. Although this hybrid
technology is very efficient it is not the most affordable to the eyes of
potential investors. The article mentions within the last 10 years the price of
fuel has dropped by 75%, which inevitably is persuading people to stick with
fuel-powered aircrafts. With the introduction of power electronic systems and
power motors in the hybrid plane’s main wheels, easyJet’s hybrid planes are
beginning to become more desired by pilots. These systems allow the Pilot’s to
still have total control over the aircraft’s speed, direction, and breaking
during taxing. With these features, Davies hopes people will be motivated to
invest in his hybrid planes early.
Carrington,
Daisy. "EasyJet's Plans for a Hybrid Fleet, Using Hydrogen Fuel Cells -
CNN.com." CNN. Cable News Network, 2 Feb. 2016. Web. 09 Feb.
2016.
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