The HyPe project aims to explore innovative solutions for the use of hydrogen in aviation, particularly with regard to the efficiency and technical feasibility of fuel cell propulsion systems in the near future.
In order to enable the operation of PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cells in aviation applications over a wide operating range within the flight envelope, the air in the cathode gas path must be conditioned. The HyPe research project is developing a novel engine architecture that includes both the cathode air supply system (CASS) and the necessary drive via a micro gas turbine with hydrogen combustion. In previous systems, cathode gas conditioning is performed using an electrically powered compressor, which presents additional challenges in terms of cooling, storage, and complexity, and also has significant electrical power requirements. This must be provided by the fuel cell system and, in addition to increasing consumption, also leads to an increase in waste heat from the fuel cell stack, which must be dissipated to the environment using heat exchangers. Since heat exchangers generally generate additional air resistance and account for a considerable proportion of the mass of the drive system, their size must be minimized.
Using a micro gas turbine to operate the CASS reduces both waste heat and system complexity. The HyPe project is investigating the thermodynamic cycle of the drive system for a regional aircraft, focusing on the interaction between the micro gas turbine and the fuel cell system. The drive system is being designed and dimensioned (on-design) based on the results of the cycle analysis. In the further course of the project, the drive will be recalculated in partial load operation (off-design) in order to gain insights into the entire operating range. Not only characteristic components of the micro gas turbine (compressor, combustion chamber, and turbine) but also the subsystems for preconditioning the air for the fuel cell stack will be examined in detail in stationary and dynamic maneuvers.
The research project aims to answer the following questions:
What is the potential of a fuel cell drive system with CASS using a micro gas turbine compared to currently used electrical systems?
Can the novel system enable reliable operation across the entire operating range?
What limitations and/or restrictions arise, particularly in partial load operation?
How does the system behave in dynamic operation?
The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (FKZ 20E2217B).