The latest patent filed by Rolls Royce on October 2, 2024, introduces a hydrogen fuel system designed for aircraft.
This innovation reflects a focused push toward sustainable aviation solutions that leverage alternative fuels, specifically hydrogen, to power aircraft safely and efficiently.
The Rolls Royce patent describes an inventive hydrogen fuel system incorporated within an aircraft’s design. It features a unique set-up where at least one hydrogen fuel tank is mounted externally to the aircraft’s fuselage and wing. This placement is advantageous as it allows for efficient storage and management of pressurized hydrogen fuel without compromising the internal structural space or payload capacity of the aircraft.
A defining aspect of this hydrogen fuel system is its external aeroshell, which encapsulates multiple pressure vessels. These pressure vessels are carefully engineered to contain pressurized hydrogen fuel safely, addressing potential safety concerns while facilitating easy maintenance and fuel management. By placing the fuel tanks externally, the system capitalizes on existing structural designs without necessitating significant alterations to the aircraft’s core framework.
The patent by Rolls Royce supports ongoing research and development efforts aimed at overcoming these hurdles and moving towards large-scale adoption of hydrogen fuel in aviation.
