Conflux develops innovative hydrogen fuel cell cooling system for AMSL Aero’s VTOL aircraft
March 27, 2025
Conflux Technology, based in Geelong, Australia, has announced a collaboration with AMSL Aero, an Australian aircraft manufacturer reported to be building the world’s most efficient, long-range zero-emissions electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft.
The first phase of the project included developing hydrogen fuel cell cooling for the Vertiia VTOL aircraft, to help enable flight distances of up to 1,000 km. Conflux designed three heat exchanger concepts to minimise weight and volume while managing continuous heat loads and reducing drag.
The project is now advancing into its second phase. This will involve optimising the design and manufacture of a full proof-of-concept assembly to evaluate its performance within Vertiia’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain.
“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,” Michael Fuller, CEO & Founder of Conflux Technology, shared.
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 and geometric freedoms granted by Additive Manufacturing mean heat exchangers for these systems can be lightweight and maximise the space available.
AMSL Aero chairman Chris Smallhorn added, “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.”
Simon Coburn, Hydrogen Systems Engineer at AMSL Aero, stated, “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.
