Imagine an airplane that runs on liquid hydrogen instead of jet fuel, using a system similar to a giant battery and fuel cell hybrid. To keep it efficient, the project uses the heat generated by the engine to warm up the freezing cold hydrogen fuel. It's like using the heat from a car's engine to keep the cabin warm, but for a plane flying at 15,000 feet.
Hydrogen aircraft face critical challenges in managing the extreme cold of liquid hydrogen and maintaining power stability at high altitudes. Current systems lack validated data on how fuel cells and batteries interact under real flight conditions.
A 500-kW modular fuel cell-battery hybrid powertrain and a high-fidelity digital twin validated through ground testing.
If you are a regional aircraft manufacturer dealing with strict carbon emission targets — this project developed a 500-kW modular fuel cell-battery hybrid powertrain that enables zero-emission flight. This allows for the design of aircraft in CS-23 and CS-25 certification classes with proven fail-safe capabilities.
If you are an electric powertrain developer dealing with thermal management of liquid hydrogen — this project developed cryo-enabled thermal management with efficiency over 0.12. This ensures the system can operate reliably at altitudes above 15,000 feet.
If you are a simulation software provider dealing with the lack of real-world data for hydrogen flight — this project developed a high-fidelity digital twin validated by ground testing. This reduces the risk and cost of physical prototyping for new aircraft configurations.
Based on available project data, specific cost or pricing information for the 500-kW powertrain is not provided.
The project focuses on ground-testing and characterization of modular architectures. While it provides a path toward 2035 entry-into-service goals, it is currently in the demonstration and validation phase.
Based on available project data, there are no specific details on licensing; however, the project mentions that optimization procedures and configurations may be published in scientific journals.
The project supports the Clean Aviation Programme's goal for the entry-into-service of hydrogen-powered aircraft by 2035.
The project specifically developed optimization procedures and configurations for aircraft sizing within the CS-23 and CS-25 certification classes.
The consortium consists of 6 partners across 4 countries (CZ, DE, NL, SI). It has a balanced technical mix with 33% industry representation (2 companies), 2 universities, and 2 research organizations, indicating a strong bridge between academic research and industrial application, led by an aviation-focused SME (Pipistrel).
Contact Pipistrel Vertical Solutions DOO for technical inquiries regarding the 500-kW powertrain.
Contact SciTransfer to explore licensing opportunities for the HyPoTraDe digital twin and thermal management data.
