Innovative Liquid Hydrogen System Paving the Way for Zero-Emission Aviation
Key Ideas
  • Researchers at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering develop a liquid hydrogen storage system for zero-emission aviation, integrating cooling and fuel functions efficiently.
  • The innovative system enables hydrogen to serve as both a clean fuel and a cooling medium for critical power systems in electric aircraft, advancing sustainable aviation.
  • The design eliminates the need for mechanical pumps by regulating tank pressure, optimizing efficiency, reducing complexity, and maximizing mass efficiency for aircraft applications.
  • Next steps involve experimental validation through prototype testing and further research on integration with electric propulsion systems for different aircraft sizes and missions.
Researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have made significant strides in developing a practical liquid hydrogen storage and delivery system for zero-emission aviation. Published in Applied Energy, their study introduces a system designed for 100-passenger hybrid-electric aircraft that integrates hydrogen fuel cells with hydrogen turbine-driven generators. This innovative design not only enables efficient storage and safe transfer of liquid hydrogen but also utilizes it as a cooling medium for onboard systems. The team's approach tackles the challenges of storing hydrogen as a super-cold liquid at -253°C by optimizing system-level components and introducing a new gravimetric index for fuel system mass efficiency. The system, developed by Professor Wei Guo and the team, addresses the dual functions of fuel delivery and thermal management without the need for mechanical pumps traditionally used in such applications. By regulating tank pressure, the system drives hydrogen flow through heat exchangers, absorbing waste heat from power components and optimizing its temperature for energy conversion. This integration allows hydrogen to serve as both a fuel and a coolant, demonstrating a viable and mass-efficient solution for sustainable aviation. Compared to previous liquid hydrogen storage methods, this innovative system eliminates extra mass, potential failure points, and design complexity associated with mechanical pumps. The next phase of research involves building a prototype for testing and validation at FSU's Center for Advanced Power Systems, with plans for further integration with electric propulsion systems and scalability for different aircraft sizes and missions. The comprehensive approach taken by the researchers signifies a positive step towards achieving zero-emission aviation through the use of hydrogen as a clean fuel and cooling medium in next-generation aircraft.
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