GKN Aerospace has noticed a subtle shift in the UK government-backed project’s H2GEAR hydrogen-electric powertrain after a year of development.
To date, GKN’s goal has been to have an entire 1MW powertrain on the ground by 2026, which includes the hydrogen storage, fuel cells, energy management system and an electric motor. For GKN Aerospace, the goal has remained the same, but it has become clear in recent months that the project also needs to know what kind of aircraft it will power in order to progress its design.
A preliminary design review will take place in 2023, followed by a critical design review the following year, after which the overall system architecture will be “locked down.” The H2GEAR system is based on a 19-seat regional jet, but it can be scaled up or down to accommodate different aircraft sizes.
Fuel cells are being supplied by Midlands-based Intelligent Energy, with other partners including Aeristech and the universities of Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle providing the electrical controls.
Aside from its expertise in engine technology and high-voltage power distribution in Trollhattan, Sweden and the Netherlands, GKN can draw on other parts of the company’s aerospace business. Aerospace Technology Institute and GKN are each contributing £27 million to the H2GEAR program. The new Global Technology Centre in Bristol is working on this important project.
