By completing its first set of system-level trade studies, the H2GEAR program has reached a critical milestone.
The research centered on the architecture and technology selection of propulsion subsystems for 19, 48, and 96 PAX concept aircraft. GKN Aerospace’s advancements in fuel cell system integration, along with hyperconducting power networks and motor drive systems, will expedite the scaling of hydrogen-powered electric propulsion, according to current research.
Max Brown, Vice President Technology for GKN Aerospace, said: “Our initial view was that the introduction of hydrogen electric propulsion to 19 PAX aircraft would be easier than for large aircraft, however, development of the hyperconducting network and cryogenic motor technology has opened our eyes to the possibility of efficiently scaling the technology to 96 PAX and potentially beyond.”
GKN Aerospace’s proposed hyperconducting systems utilise the onboard liquid hydrogen as a heat sink, chilling the electrical conductors to temperatures below -200 degrees Celsius in order to drastically lower their electrical resistivity.
This reduction in resistivity improves the delivery of electrical power at low voltage, through conductors with less bulk, and in electric motors designed to attain above 99 percent efficiency. In contrast to superconducting systems, which display zero electrical resistance, a hyperconducting system would employ more common conductor materials and would be delivered sooner, hence having a greater influence on global emissions in the near future.
The H2GEAR initiative was initiated in 2020 to develop hydrogen electric propulsion technology for a new generation of environmentally friendly aircraft. Using fuel cells, the suggested method creates electricity from hydrogen. T
his electrical power is delivered to electric motors sized to operate ducted fans with a low pressure ratio. This strategy reduces CO2 and NOx emissions, gives chances for contrail mitigation, and is anticipated to offer noise reduction opportunities in comparison to conventional propulsion systems.
GKN Aerospace is at the forefront of sustainable aviation’s future technological advancements. Integration of the H2GEAR technology on the ground is expected for 2025, and the first hyperconducting hydrogen-powered aircraft might enter service as early as 2035.
Brown continues: “This is a truly ground-breaking program, bringing together some of the world’s top experts to develop technology that will really move the dial on global emissions. We are on track and the initial studies have been every bit as successful as we hoped.”
H2GEAR is managed by the Global Technology Centre of GKN Aerospace in Bristol, United Kingdom. GKN Aerospace collaborates with partners Intelligent Energy, Aeristech, Newcastle University, The University of Manchester, and University of Birmingham to administer the initiative.
GKN Aerospace and its industrial partners match £27 million in ATI money to support the initiative.
