Revolutionizing Aviation Safety: TU Delft's Advanced Hydrogen Sensors for Extreme Environments
Key Ideas
  • TU Delft scientists collaborate to develop cutting-edge hydrogen sensors crucial for safe aviation in extreme conditions like polar environments and liquid hydrogen storage.
  • The sensors, made of metal-hydrides, exhibit rapid response times and can detect hydrogen leakages even at temperatures as low as -60°C.
  • These innovative sensors are a breakthrough in hydrogen detection technology, providing fundamental insights for further advancements in hydrogen sensor development.
  • Future research aims to enhance sensor capabilities by implementing advanced optical methods and testing sensors in various realistic conditions to ensure reliability and versatility.
Scientists at TU Delft have created advanced hydrogen sensors to facilitate the safe use of hydrogen in extreme conditions such as aviation, polar operations, and liquid hydrogen storage. The interdisciplinary team, supported by EU projects, is developing materials for hydrogen detection and integrating sensors into other technologies. These sensors are vital for detecting hydrogen leakages in hydrogen-powered aircraft, ensuring safe operations at various locations. The sensors, made of metal-hydrides, undergo optical changes in the presence of hydrogen, allowing for accurate detection. The team overcame challenges related to low temperatures by developing a unique experimental set-up, even converting a freezer initially designed for storing tuna for their research. The sensors demonstrated effectiveness at -60°C with response times under 10 seconds. Researchers aim to enhance sensor capabilities further and test them in realistic conditions, including environments with other pollutants and high humidity. The ultimate goal is to have sensors that can provide information on hydrogen concentration at multiple points inside an aircraft with a single system, accelerating the shift towards a carbon-neutral society.
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