German Aerospace Center (DLR) and General Electric Aerospace (GE) have conducted extensive research on the combustion of 100 percent hydrogen under realistic aircraft engine operating conditions.
This four-year effort has paved the way for crucial advancements in low-emission combustion technologies and optical measurement techniques. The tests, conducted at the DLR Institute of Propulsion Technology in Cologne, mark a significant milestone in the conversion of a GE Passport engine to operate using hydrogen, which will be integrated into Airbus’ ZEROe flight demonstrator. With the aim of developing the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035, this research holds immense potential for the future of aviation. Let’s delve into the goals, technology, potential impact, and challenges surrounding this pioneering investigation.
The combustion of pure hydrogen in aircraft engines presents unique challenges due to its distinct combustion behavior compared to conventional aviation fuels like kerosene. DLR’s state-of-the-art research facilities at the Institute of Propulsion Technology enable scientists to conduct hydrogen combustion experiments under realistic high-pressure conditions. This combination of experimental capabilities and expertise in combustion, coupled with advanced laser-optical measurement methods, positions DLR as a global leader in this field.
DLR and GE Aerospace have pushed beyond existing technological standards by conducting high-pressure tests, going beyond previous atmospheric tests. With the development of a specialized measurement system for this project, researchers have gained valuable insights into the combustion chamber’s behavior and the reacting flow within it. Large quartz windows provide a unique vantage point for characterizing the combustion process and capturing laser-optical measurements of the reaction and heat release zones. The data collected through these optical measurements, along with flow field measurements, play a vital role in validating numerical simulations and informing the development and design of hydrogen combustion systems.
The successful execution of these tests offers critical insights into the performance of the burner and provides guidance for potential adjustments and improvements in the development and design process. The collaboration between DLR and GE Aerospace facilitates the evaluation of hydrogen combustion under realistic conditions, supporting the advancement of low-emission and safe combustion technologies for hydrogen-powered aircraft engines. These findings contribute to Airbus’ ambitious goal of developing the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035.
While this research represents a significant step forward, challenges remain in achieving widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered aviation. Ensuring the safe and efficient combustion of hydrogen, optimizing engine performance, establishing a hydrogen supply infrastructure, and addressing regulatory considerations are among the key challenges that need to be addressed. DLR and GE Aerospace are committed to further testing and research, utilizing high-pressure test rigs and conducting application-oriented experiments to overcome these challenges and accelerate the realization of hydrogen-powered flight.
The collaboration between DLR and GE Aerospace in investigating hydrogen combustion under realistic aircraft engine operating conditions is a major stride toward sustainable aviation. By leveraging advanced measurement techniques and industry expertise, this research significantly contributes to the development of hydrogen propulsion systems for commercial flights. As the aviation industry strives for decarbonization and the transition to greener alternatives, the groundbreaking findings from this collaboration offer hope for a future where hydrogen-powered aircraft take flight, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and revolutionizing air travel.
