As the world seeks sustainable solutions to combat climate change, the aviation industry has set its sights on a groundbreaking technology: hydrogen-powered flight. Meet “Lightning McClean,” one of the first airplanes to experience hydrogen-powered flight, owned by L.A. startup Universal Hydrogen.
Universal Hydrogen is on a mission to revolutionize the aviation industry by making carbon-free aviation a reality. To achieve this, the company is developing a hydrogen retrofit kit and modular fueling solution, aiming to transform existing regional aircraft into clean and efficient hydrogen-powered machines. Loris Griner, Director of Powertrain Engineering and Flight Tests at Universal Hydrogen, believes that this transition holds the key to reducing emissions from aviation significantly.
The retrofit kit developed by Universal Hydrogen is a fuel cell electric powertrain designed to replace traditional engines on regional aircraft. By converting them to hydrogen power, these aircraft can operate with zero carbon emissions. The process involves reacting hydrogen with oxygen to generate electricity, powering the electric motor that drives the propeller, and propelling the aircraft forward.
Historically, two barriers hindered the adoption of hydrogen power in aviation: the cost of hydrogen and the lack of proper infrastructure. However, Griner asserts that advancements in renewable energy have made clean energy more affordable. Additionally, Universal Hydrogen is actively addressing the infrastructure challenge by developing innovative ways to store and transport hydrogen.
Universal Hydrogen’s solution involves modular hydrogen fueling, where hydrogen-filled modules are transported from a production facility to the airport via the intermodal freight network. At the airport, these modules can be easily loaded into the aircraft, much like cargo. During flight, the hydrogen stored in these modules powers the aircraft, enabling carbon-free travel.
Lightning McClean has taken several successful test flights, demonstrating its capabilities as a hydrogen-powered aircraft. Equipped with one hydrogen engine and one traditional engine using jet fuel, the plane has showcased its ability to fly on hydrogen power alone. During a record-breaking test flight, the aircraft flew for more than an hour using hydrogen propulsion.
Mojave Air and Space Port, located in Kern County, California, is an enthusiastic supporter of Universal Hydrogen’s endeavors. As a hub for testing and developing solutions for the aviation industry’s challenges, the airport eagerly partners with Universal Hydrogen in testing hydrogen-powered aircraft. Additionally, the airport aims to utilize a microgrid powered by solar panels to produce hydrogen, making it the nation’s first commercial airport to sell aviation-grade hydrogen.
While Universal Hydrogen’s immediate goal is to retrofit regional airplanes with hydrogen power, their vision extends to the next generation of aviation. The company hopes to collaborate with major aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing to develop larger commercial hydrogen-powered planes. These partnerships could pave the way for hydrogen-powered planes to become a reality by 2035.
Universal Hydrogen’s Lightning McClean marks a pivotal step towards a more sustainable future for aviation. As the world embraces clean energy solutions, hydrogen-powered flight presents an exciting prospect to mitigate the environmental impact of air travel and steer the aviation industry towards carbon-free skies.
