MTU Aero Engines Advancing Liquid Hydrogen Systems for Future Aviation
Key Ideas
- MTU Aero Engines and MT Aerospace AG collaborate on developing liquid hydrogen systems for aircraft, including tanks, sensors, heat exchangers, valves, and controls.
- Successful testing of liquid hydrogen systems after testing with liquid nitrogen, focusing on lightweight engineering and optimized space utilization for future non-fossil-fueled aviation.
- Hydrogen fuel cells offer potential beyond short regional flights, with liquid hydrogen showing promise due to its greater energy density despite challenges with extremely low temperatures.
- MTU plans to test a full-system FFC in 2026, with the currently successful liquid hydrogen system being a key component in the ongoing research and development.
MTU Aero Engines, in collaboration with MT Aerospace AG, is making significant strides in developing liquid hydrogen systems for future aviation. The project, announced in June 2023, has now yielded positive results after successful testing using liquid nitrogen and subsequent liquid hydrogen tests. Dr. Günther Schullerer from MT Aerospace highlighted the confirmed functionality of the systems, enabling a focus on lightweight engineering and space optimization. While hydrogen fuel cells present challenges in energy density, liquid hydrogen offers greater possibilities despite the need for extremely low temperatures. The successful tests have shown that the system architecture is safe, reliable, and efficient in supplying hydrogen to fuel cells. With plans to test a full-system FFC in 2026, MTU's involvement is crucial given its vast presence in commercial and military aircraft engines. This positions the company as a trusted partner in advancing hydrogen aviation technology and sustainable aviation solutions.