Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft Hydrogen-electric hybrid propulsion for aviation

THE EVER-INCREASING DEMAND FOR PASsenger air travel means unprecedented aircraft market growth in the coming decades. However, large airline fleets lead to serious environmental concerns. A clear goal was set during the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26): securing global net-zero emissions by midcentury while keeping 1.5 degrees C of temperature rise within reach. Hydrogen (H-2) propulsion technology provides one of the most promising opportunities to meet this target and decarbonize global aviation. Thus, this article reviews and collates state-of-the-art research related to H-2-electric hybrid aircraft. After introducing the potential benefits of H-2 propulsion, fuel cell (FC) auxiliary power in airplanes and H-2 FC-powered aircraft are discussed. Finally, challenges/recommendations for future research as well as an outlook on H-2-powered aircraft are presented.

Automated summary

The increasing demand for passenger air travel has led to an unprecedented growth in the aircraft market. However, this growth also raises serious environmental concerns. In order to address this issue, the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) has set a clear goal of achieving global net-zero emissions by midcentury while limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Hydrogen (H-2) propulsion technology is considered one of the most promising solutions to meet these targets and decarbonize the aviation industry. This article reviews the latest research on H-2-electric hybrid aircraft and discusses the potential benefits and challenges of using hydrogen fuel cells in airplanes.