Hydrogen fuel cell powertrain developer Viritech has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with thermal management technology company Reaction Engines to support the development of more efficient powertrains for hydrogen FCEVs.
Reaction Engines, which originally developed technology for hybrid air-breathing rocket engines to quench airflow temperatures of over 1,000˚C to ambient in a fraction of a second, launched its Applied Technologies division in 2019 to bring its thermal management solutions to other sectors, including automotive.
The two companies will jointly explore the first use of Reaction Engines’ technology in FCEV powertrains. Reaction Engines’ system promises to significantly reduce the size and weight of the cooling system for both the fuel cell and the battery pack.
Timothy Lyons, CEO at Viritech, said, “We are excited by the speed at which Viritech is gaining recognition across the automotive industry for its groundbreaking advances in hydrogen powertrain technologies.
“Today’s announcement with Reaction Engines demonstrates how we are also working increasingly with leading British companies to cement the UK’s position as the go-to supplier of hydrogen technologies for global OEMs and Tier 1s.”
Tom Burvill, director of applied technologies at Reaction Engines, added, “We are thrilled to be working with Viritech on such a pioneering project that should pave the way for more efficient zero-emission powertrains across the automotive sector. It’s a great example of how we can leverage our unique thermal management technology to help decarbonize this industry.”