Imagine a plane that runs on hydrogen instead of kerosene, but without the heavy, bulky cooling systems. This project figures out how to use the heat generated by the engine to actually help the fuel system work better. It's like using the warmth from a stove to keep your tea hot while also powering the kitchen.
Current hydrogen aircraft powertrains are too heavy and complex due to cooling requirements and cryogenic pumping. This limits their ability to scale to the megawatt class needed for larger commercial aircraft.
The project is developing a technology roadmap and system-level analysis for a hydrogen-electric powertrain, including 3D printed ceramic heat exchangers and a high-pressure storage buffer.
If you are an aircraft manufacturer dealing with the weight of cooling systems for electric planes — this project developed a way to use 3D printed ceramic heat exchangers that reduce the need for coolant. This improves the gravimetric index, making the plane lighter and more efficient.
If you are a fuel system provider dealing with the complexity of cryogenic pumps — this project developed a high-pressure storage buffer for fuel distribution. This removes the need for expensive pumps and makes the system more stable during turbulence.
If you are an airline operator dealing with strict carbon emission targets — this project developed NOx reduction strategies by injecting fuel cell exhaust water into the combustion chamber. This helps meet the goal of a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.
Based on available project data, specific unit costs or pricing for the powertrain components are not provided.
Yes, the project specifically targets the scaling up of hydrogen powertrain technology to the megawatt (MW) class for aircraft.
Based on available project data, the IP and licensing terms are not specified, though the consortium includes 4 industry partners and 4 SMEs.
The technology aims to support the global aviation goal of a 50% reduction of carbon emissions by 2050 relative to 2005.
The project runs from 2024-01-01 to 2027-12-31, suggesting a technology roadmap will be developed by the end of 2027.
The consortium is well-balanced for commercialization, featuring a 50% industry ratio with 4 industrial partners and 4 SMEs. This mix of 8 partners across 6 countries (AT, CZ, DE, IT, NL, TR) ensures that the research from 3 universities and 1 research institute is directly aligned with industrial manufacturing capabilities.
Contact Stichting Materials Innovation Institute (M2I) in the Netherlands.
Contact us to connect with the TRIATHLON consortium for early access to the technology roadmap.
