I am a computational engineer, studying the feasibility of an unconventional blended-wing-body aircraft configuration with hydrogen fuel cell electric propulsion is considered.
My research goal is to answer the question if a surface-based heat exchanger can be used to dissipate the waste heat which is emitted from the fuel cell.
To date, there has been little research on surface-based heat exchangers for aircraft electric propulsion, and their use for unconventional aircraft configurations has not been investigated at all. This is a new and exciting topic as it deals with various aspects of flight physics, the interaction of different disciplines and optimization.
Electrification of aircraft using fuel cells provides a potentially sustainable way for carbon-free transportation. It is becoming the focus of current research.
Aviation research is highly interdisciplinary as various disciplines interact with each other. SE2A provides an environment where people from various specializations work collectively towards the future of aviation. This is very challenging but inspiring as we deal with future aircraft configurations and technologies.
