Innovative Development of Composite Hydrogen Fuel Tank for Aviation in the Czech Republic
Key Ideas
  • A research project in the Czech Republic aims to develop a cutting-edge hydrogen fuel tank for general aviation aircraft, using advanced composite materials.
  • The project involves key partners such as Czech Technical University, CompoTech PLUS, and Distar CZ, focusing on creating a functional demonstrator with innovative design and safety features.
  • The tank will be manufactured using a novel robot-assisted fiber laying (RAFL) technology, offering precise fiber placement for complex shapes and optimal load-bearing capabilities.
  • Upon completion, the tank will undergo rigorous testing including pressure and permeation tests, with plans to integrate it into an aircraft wing in the future.
A research project in the Czech Republic, titled 'Composite integral fuel tank for pressurised hydrogen,' is underway from March 2023 to December 2025. Funded by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, the project focuses on developing a functional demonstrator for a compressed gaseous hydrogen (CGH2) fuel tank for general aviation-type aircraft. This initiative involves collaboration between Czech Technical University, CompoTech PLUS, and Distar CZ to construct a tank with a non-standard shape that prioritizes minimizing mass and maximizing safety. The tank, which will be a Type 4 or linerless Type 5 design, will be situated in the wing near the root section of the aircraft. The project leverages CompoTech's robot-assisted fiber laying (RAFL) technology for precise fiber placement, enabling the tank to support bending and torsional loads efficiently. Manufactured using carbon fiber and epoxy resin, the tank will undergo testing with different resin options to meet permeability resistance requirements. The technology samples are currently being developed with plans for production by 2025. The demonstrator will be approximately 2.5 meters long and will be subjected to various tests, including pressure tests aiming for a burst pressure of 800 bar and permeation tests with CGH2 at 350 bar. The successful completion of this project is expected to lead to the integration of the pressure vessel into an actual aircraft wing in the future. The innovative approach and advanced materials used in this research signify a positive step towards enhancing the safety and efficiency of hydrogen fuel storage in aviation.
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