Turbotech Innovates Scalable Hydrogen Turbine for Aviation with Ansys Simulation
Key Ideas
  • Turbotech successfully runs a scalable turboprop from a cryogenic hydrogen tank for light aviation, leveraging Ansys simulation for design validation.
  • Ansys Fluent software helps redesign turbine components for hydrogen, cutting prototyping costs and timelines while maintaining structural integrity.
  • The BeautHyFuel project, supported by the French Civil Aviation Authority, showcases Turbotech's hydrogen-fueled engine for small-scale planes, VTOL vehicles, and drones.
  • Ansys plays a crucial role in advancing next-generation technology by supporting Turbotech in developing a hydrogen-fueled turboprop engine for sustainable aviation solutions.
Turbotech, a provider of sustainable aviation solutions, has made a significant breakthrough by successfully running a scalable turboprop engine from a cryogenic hydrogen tank. This achievement, a first in the industry, was made possible by leveraging Ansys simulation tools to validate their innovative design. The hydrogen turbine propulsion system developed by Turbotech operates with high efficiency and produces zero carbon emissions, particularly suitable for light aviation such as small-scale passenger planes, VTOL vehicles, and drones. Turbotech's approach involves integrating Ansys simulation across all design stages, from individual components to the overall system. This seamless integration has resulted in substantial time and cost savings during the development of hydrogen propulsion systems. By using Ansys Fluent fluid simulation software, Turbotech was able to redesign turbine components for hydrogen, with initial support from the Ansys Startup Program. The challenge of safely and reliably using hydrogen as a fuel in turbine designs has been addressed by Turbotech through scalable solutions. Ansys simulation has played a key role in designing and validating a gas turbine that is versatile in fuel usage, enabling an easier transition to hydrogen. By quickly identifying optimal nozzle designs for real-world testing, Turbotech significantly reduced prototyping costs and timelines. The BeautHyFuel project, backed by the French Civil Aviation Authority and involving partners like Safran, Air Liquide, and Daher, marks a significant milestone in showcasing Turbotech's hydrogen-fueled turboprop engine. This project underscores Ansys' contribution to advancing technology by supporting innovative companies like Turbotech in realizing their vision of sustainable aviation solutions. By bringing together expertise in complex multiphysics and strong technical support, Ansys has been instrumental in the success of Turbotech's hydrogen propulsion system.
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