Conflux has partnered with AMSL Aero to develop and integrate an advanced hydrogen fuel cell cooling solution for the company’s long-range, zero-emission eVTOL aircraft.
The first phase of the project focused on developing a hydrogen fuel cell cooling system for AMSL Aero’s Vertiia VTOL aircraft. Conflux designed three innovative heat exchanger concepts to minimize weight and volume while managing continuous heat loads and reducing drag, enabling flight distances of up to 1,000 km.
The project is now advancing into its second phase. This phase will optimize the design and production of a full proof-of-concept assembly to evaluate its performance in Vertiia’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain.
The Conflux cooling solution will be optimised to provide cooling for high transient heat loads experienced during vertical take-off, landing and hover operations of the Vertiia. Weight, performance, and packaging size are key constraints for aeronautical hydrogen powertrains. The design flexibility offered by additive manufacturing allows heat exchangers to be lightweight and conform to available space. Conflux’s unique thin-walled, patented designs deliver thermal performance and low drag.
Michael Fuller, CEO & Founder of Conflux Technology, stated, “Hydrogen fuel cells represent a transformative technology in Australia’s pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. We are proud to incorporate our heat exchange technology to enhance the efficiency and performance of Vertiia’s hydrogen fuel cells. Together, we’re advancing innovation in creating world-leading sustainable air transport.”
AMSL Aero chairman Chris Smallhorn, said, “In Vertiia we are building a hydrogen-electric aircraft that flies record-breaking distances at Formula 1 speeds, making Conflux Technology, with its storied history of innovation in motorsport and aviation, the perfect partner for us.
“AMSL Aero is committed to Victoria for future development of Vertiia and Conflux is one of Victoria’s industrial champions, making the Avalon Air Show the ideal place for us to unveil this partnership.”
Simon Coburn, Hydrogen Systems Engineer at AMSL Aero, also commented, “We’re excited to work with Conflux, whose reputation for delivering at Formula 1 speed combined with AS9100D manufacturing and quality certification will be critical in enabling Vertiia to become the world’s first long-range passenger-capable hydrogen VTOL. Working together, we are pioneering a future where clean energy and cutting-edge engineering drive the aviation industry towards a greener and more sustainable future.”
This engagement further expands Conflux’s presence in aerospace applications, leveraging additive manufacturing to develop high-performance heat exchangers for next-generation aviation. Applications now extend across propulsion system cooling, transmission and gearbox cooling, environmental and avionics cooling, and power electronics cooling.
