Innovative 3D Printed Cryogenic Tank for Hydrogen Aviation Fuel
Key Ideas
- Aimen has successfully 3D printed a cryogenic tank for storing liquid hydrogen to be used as aviation fuel, a part of the EU-funded OVERLEAF project.
- The project aims to create a lightweight, safe liquid hydrogen storage tank using recycled materials for aircraft use, involving multiple partners specializing in different areas.
- The innovative tank, made of a thermoplastic inner component and a CFRP outer shell, was produced using a robot cell production system in 100 hours, showcasing a sustainable and efficient manufacturing process.
- Despite historical safety concerns around hydrogen, the EU is investing in hydrogen as a viable alternative fuel source due to its potential to replace oil and its availability from allied nations like France.
Aimen, a Spanish technology center, has achieved a significant milestone by developing a 3D printed cryogenic tank designed specifically for storing liquid hydrogen to be utilized as aviation fuel. This breakthrough was part of the OVERLEAF project, which is backed by the EU and aims to create a safe and lightweight storage solution for liquid hydrogen in aviation, utilizing recycled materials.
The collaborative effort involved various partners, including aerostructures engineering firm Aciturri, French researcher Canoe, Italian innovation firm Icons, and others specializing in different aspects of the project. The tank, constructed with an inner thermoplastic component and an outer shell of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), was manufactured using a robot cell production system, taking 100 hours to complete. The bio-based material used in the tank's fabrication makes it easily recyclable.
Despite historical safety incidents related to hydrogen usage, such as the Hindenburg disaster, the EU sees potential in hydrogen as a sustainable aviation fuel. With vast hydrogen deposits being discovered in France and potential energy revolutions on the horizon, investing in hydrogen appears promising. Key figures involved in the project expressed optimism about the technology's potential and its role in the decarbonization efforts.
The innovative tank, operating at a temperature as low as -250°C, showcases a smart use of sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing techniques. The combination of thermoplastics, CFRP, and a foam structure is expected to provide a robust solution for aviation fuel storage. However, challenges related to public perception, safety concerns, and market acceptance remain, especially with past incidents casting a shadow on hydrogen's safety record. Despite this, the project's success marks a significant step towards sustainable aviation fuel solutions and highlights the potential of hydrogen in the energy transition.