Technical Paper
Feasibility Study of Using Liquid Hydrogen Tanks as Energy Carriers and Cooling Agents for a Small Aircraft Powered by PEMFCs
2022-03-08
2022-01-0009
Restrictions on emissions have been made to guide society into a more sustainable development. The impasse between regulations and the expectation of a growing demand for aviation exposes the need for decarbonization of the sector. In this way, the utilization of hydrogen associated with fuel cells stands out as means to eliminate emissions during flight. This study evaluates the feasibility of using cryogenic liquid hydrogen (LH2) tanks as both energy source and cooling advantage for a small aircraft with electric propulsion. First, a propulsion system powered by a hybrid setup with Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) and batteries is proposed for a small aircraft replacing an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and fuel tanks. Then, the new powerplant is integrated into the aircraft and simulated using the SUAVE tool.