Electrification of Lighter Aircrafts via Hydrogen-based Propulsion Systems

The project focuses on the Hydrogen and battery technologies for the Aviation sector. Electrification of aircrafts requires immense study of aircraft powerplant systems. In order to produce a light weight and long endurance electrical aircraft, a combination of battery and hydrogen fuel cell-based power system is proposed along with the energy management and storage subsystems.

Clean Aviation aircraft concepts are based on advanced design features that affect powerplant and the energy storage units. The project aims to develop and commercialize compact and energy efficient Hydrogen-based propulsion system for light aircrafts.

Project WBS can be depicted in seven parts:
1. Propulsion subsystem,
2. Fuel cell subsystem,
3. Hydrogen storage subsystem,
4. Energy management subsystem,
5. Structural and thermal management subsystem,
6. Health management subsystem,
7. Electrical and mechanical ground support subsystems.

Project results are expected to demonstrate an electric propulsion system for light aircraft concept by 2028. Additionally, the propulsion system will be compliant to CS-23 and CS-E certification requirements. A route towards certification and exploitation shall be outlined, including the identification of operational requirements. Outcomes of the project, such as energy management and storage, are applicable to other hydrogen fuel cell and/or battery based electrical system architectures other than aircrafts.

Technical Specification or Expertise Sought

The team will conduct the research, product development, assembly, integration and tests of the main system, and is eager to collaborate with technologically competitive partners on fuel cell and hydrogen storage subsystems. Within this context, the team is looking for partnership from the EUROGIA2030 supporting countries on fuel cell solutions.