Conflux Technology has joined forces with aircraft manufacturer AMSL Aero to develop an advanced hydrogen fuel cell cooling system for the Vertiia Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. The partnership aims to enhance the performance and efficiency of Vertiia’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, paving the way for sustainable air travel.
In the first phase of the project, Conflux developed three heat exchanger concepts designed to reduce weight and volume while managing continuous heat loads and minimizing drag. These innovations are critical to enabling Vertiia to achieve flight distances of up to 1,000 km.
The project has now entered its second phase, focusing on optimizing the design and manufacturing of a full proof-of-concept assembly. This stage will evaluate the system’s performance within Vertiia’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, addressing the high transient heat loads generated during vertical take-off, landing, and hover operations.
Conflux will leverage additive manufacturing’s geometric freedoms to overcome key constraints such as weight, performance, and packaging size. The company aims to enhance thermal performance and reduce drag through its thin-walled, patented heat exchanger designs.
Michael Fuller, Founder and CEO of Conflux Technology, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “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 expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “In Vertiia, we are building a hydrogen-electric aircraft that flies record-breaking distances at Formula 1 speeds. Conflux Technology, with its storied history of innovation in motorsport and aviation, is the perfect partner for us. We are committed to Victoria for the future development of Vertiia, and Conflux is one of the state’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, emphasized the importance of Conflux’s capabilities: “We’re excited to work with Conflux, whose reputation for delivering at Formula 1 speeds, 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. Together, we are pioneering a future where clean energy and cutting-edge engineering drive the aviation industry towards a greener and more sustainable future.”
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