Unlocking UK's Liquid Hydrogen Aviation Potential
Key Ideas
  • The UK's materials testing capability for liquid-hydrogen-powered flight is captured in a new report by the ATI’s Hydrogen Capability Network.
  • Challenges in storage and distribution systems for cryogenic hydrogen fuel are identified, emphasizing the need for collaboration to address these issues.
  • The report highlights the importance of advancing research in hydrogen technologies to maintain market share and stimulate market growth for liquid hydrogen aviation.
  • Expansion of test capabilities in the UK is deemed necessary to enhance material evaluation programs for future liquid hydrogen technologies.
A recent report by the ATI’s Hydrogen Capability Network (HCN) has detailed the materials testing capability for liquid-hydrogen-powered flight across the UK. The report underscores the significance of researching materials, thermofluids, and health and safety to enable hydrogen-powered aircraft. While the UK boasts robust research capability in various areas of liquid-hydrogen-powered aircraft technologies, challenges remain in on-aircraft cryogenic hydrogen fuel storage and distribution systems. The report emphasizes the need to address these challenges through collaboration and advancing capabilities in the hydrogen sector to sustain and expand market share. Laura Cuss, HCN Programme Director, highlights the UK's historical strength in fuel storage and systems for conventional aircraft, emphasizing the need to enhance capabilities in hydrogen. The report offers an overview of the UK's research capabilities and facilities to facilitate collaboration in tackling the unique challenges of cryogenic hydrogen. Knowledge of materials behavior in cryogenic hydrogen environments is crucial for liquid hydrogen technology development, with an expected rise in demand for material testing capability. The report summarizes the testing capabilities for cryogenic and hydrogen materials across UK-based organizations, noting the necessity for expanding test capabilities to address missing testing environments and support future material evaluation programs. Produced in partnership with the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative (HII), the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), and the Henry Royce Institute, the report aims to enhance the understanding and testing capabilities for liquid hydrogen technologies in the UK.
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