Aviation continues to be the pending decarbonization issue facing mobility, not only in America but also in the rest of the world. However, everything has changed recently: this is the largest engine ever created with this fuel, and with unexpected results that you will see in this article with all keys.
This is the most powerful engine with this fuel: clean, massive, and sustainable
Universal Hydrogen recently unveiled a new hybrid-electric regional aircraft propulsion system powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The system uses a ProtonExchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell from Ballard that can generate up to 1 megawatt (1,360 hp) of electricity using liquid hydrogen as the fuel source.
The hydrogen fuel cell powers electric motors developed by magniX that propel the aircraft. The fuel cell and electric motors complement an advanced battery system to provide a complete hybrid-electric propulsion solution.
This hybrid approach provides a balance of endurance and power density optimized for regional aircraft up to the size of the De Havilland Dash 8. By using green hydrogen as the fuel, Universal Hydrogen’s propulsion system emits only water vapor and warm air, eliminating carbon emissions.
The high energy density of hydrogen fuel provides extended aircraft range and endurance compared to fully battery-electric designs. Universal Hydrogen aims to use its propulsion system to enable zero-carbon regional air travel within the next 5 years.
How the hydrogen engine for aviation works: sustainability where we didn’t expect it yet
The game-changing technology powering this futuristic engine is hydrogen fuel cell power. Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction, not combustion, allowing them to operate silently and emission-free.
This engine utilizes liquid hydrogen stored onboard to feed its fuel cell. The hydrogen passes through the fuel cell’s anode where a catalyst separates it into protons and electrons.
The protons pass through a membrane while the electrons travel through an external circuit creating electricity. This electricity powers the propellers. The only byproduct is water in the form of steam.
Compared to traditional combustion engines, fuel cells provide 2-3x higher efficiency. Liquid hydrogen is lightweight, packing more energy density than jet fuel. This enables extended flight times and greater payload capacity.
By leveraging fuel cell systems powered by liquid hydrogen, this breakthrough engine aims to make emission-free, quiet air travel over long distances a reality.
The litmus test: what happened when they first started the engine
The hydrogen aircraft engine was tested in late 2021 at a facility in California owned by ZeroAvia, a leading pioneer of hydrogen-electric flight.
The test flight marked the first time a flight-weight hydrogen fuel cell powertrain over 1 MW was tested in the air. The prototype plane used in testing was a modified 6-seat Dornier 228 aircraft.
During the test flight, the experimental hydrogen-powered engine replaced one of the plane’s conventional engines. The hydrogen fuel cell powertrain powered the plane’s propeller on one wing, while the conventional piston engine remained on the other wing as a safety backup.
The modified Dornier 228 took off using both a conventional engine and a hydrogen fuel cell engine. Once airborne, the pilot shut off the conventional engine and flew using only the hydrogen fuel cell system powering one wing. The plane successfully flew for 10 minutes on just the hydrogen fuel cell engine before landing safely back on the runway.
Once again, we see the potential of hydrogen for aviation. The fact that 1 MW clean and sustainable has been achieved shows how air travel (especially medium and long-haul air travel) has a lot to gain from this fuel. Manufacturers such as Airbus have already expressed interest.