Imagine an airplane engine that works like a high-performance hybrid, using liquid hydrogen to stay cool and burn fuel much cleaner. It's designed to stop those long white streaks in the sky that trap heat and drastically cut pollution. Think of it as upgrading from an old gas guzzler to a futuristic, super-efficient power plant for the skies.
Aviation faces an urgent need to reduce CO2 and non-CO2 emissions to meet the 1.5°C Paris Agreement threshold. Current engine technology cannot achieve the radical efficiency gains needed for 2050 climate neutrality.
Experimental proof of concept (TRL3) for low-NOx opposed-piston hydrogen combustion and liquid hydrogen heat-management systems. It also produced aircraft fleet models and emission inventories for 2050 scenarios.
If you are an engine manufacturer dealing with strict 2050 neutrality targets — this project developed composite cycle engine technology that can reduce fuel burn by 36% and net-NOx by 52%.
If you are an airline dealing with rising carbon taxes and environmental regulations — this project developed engine design options that reduce contrail cirrus emissions by 80%.
If you are a fuel supplier dealing with the need for new aviation markets — this project developed heat-management systems that exploit the cooling potential of liquid hydrogen.
Based on available project data, specific unit costs or pricing for the propulsion systems are not provided; the focus is on TRL3 proof of concept.
The technology is currently at TRL3 (experimental proof of concept). Roadmaps are being developed to bring these to product status by 2035-2040.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not listed, but the project involves 5 industry partners including engine OEMs.
It targets a 52% reduction in net-NOx and an 80% reduction in contrail cirrus emissions to meet Paris Agreement goals.
The project aims for the technology to be developed into products for entry into service between 2035 and 2040.
The project features a strong industrial lean with 50% of the 10 partners coming from industry, including 5 companies across 5 countries. This balance between 4 universities and 1 research center ensures that the TRL3 experimental results are aligned with the needs of engine OEMs.
Contact Chalmers Tekniska Hogskola AB in Sweden
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