French Company Turbotech Successfully Tests Hydrogen-Powered Turboprop Engine for Light Aviation Sector
Key Ideas
  • Turbotech completes functional tests of a scalable turboprop engine powered by cryogenic hydrogen, identifying injector designs and achieving 30 hours of combustion with no degradation.
  • Ansys Inc.'s simulation tools were fully integrated into the engine's development cycle, reducing the need for physical prototypes and enabling cost-effective optimization.
  • The BeautHyFuel project, supported by industry leaders like Safran and Air Liquide, aims to validate hydrogen propulsion for short-haul air transport, potentially opening applications in drones and light aircraft.
  • The digital thread linking simulation, testing, and production data facilitated by Ansys Startup Program enabled a rapid adaptation to hydrogen technology, positioning Turbotech for a future in hydrogen-powered aviation.
Turbotech, a French aircraft propulsion company, has successfully conducted functional tests on a scalable turboprop engine powered by cryogenic hydrogen, developed for the light aviation sector. In collaboration with Ansys Inc., the company utilized simulation tools to identify optimal injector designs, reducing the need for physical prototypes. The engine underwent 30 hours of combustion testing without degradation or increased emissions, showcasing the viability of hydrogen combustion. Ansys Fluent™ software aided in optimizing internal turbine geometries for hydrogen combustion, leading to cost reductions and accelerated development timelines. The project, part of the BeautHyFuel initiative, supported by industry giants like Safran and Air Liquide, aims to validate hydrogen propulsion for short-haul air transport with the backing of France's Directorate General for Civil Aviation. The project's success in testing opens up possibilities for applications in drones, VTOL vehicles, and light aircraft. Turbotech's Chief Technical Officer highlighted the importance of simulation in the rapid adaptation to hydrogen technology, emphasizing the cost-saving benefits. While the project is currently in a pre-industrial validation stage, it has the potential to shape a dedicated hydrogen-powered light engine sector, positioning Turbotech as a pioneer in hydrogen aviation technology.
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