Bosch Converts Aircraft Engine to Hydrogen in Vienna Innovation
Key Ideas
- Bosch Aviation Technology successfully converted a conventional aircraft engine to run on hydrogen in Vienna, Austria, optimizing time, costs, and regulatory approval.
- The modified engine, based on a Rotax 91 gasoline engine, can deliver 115kW of power for light aircraft applications, closely matching the original petrol version's performance.
- By modifying existing engine designs instead of developing entirely new ones, Bosch anticipates meeting the demand for hydrogen-powered aviation projects efficiently.
- Despite challenges in hydrogen aviation such as storage, engine durability, and refueling infrastructure, Bosch's innovation showcases progress and potential for future advancements.
Bosch Aviation Technology has made a significant breakthrough in Vienna, Austria, by converting a conventional aircraft engine to run on hydrogen. The company transformed a 1.4 litre Rotax 91 gasoline engine commonly used in light aircraft to operate with hydrogen, aiming to streamline operational processes and ease regulatory approvals. Through four months of work, Bosch modified the engine to achieve 115kW of power, a competitive output suitable for light aircraft applications. The German engineering firm highlighted that this hydrogen-powered version closely matches the performance of the original petrol engine, with potential for further power enhancements in future prototypes. Christian Grim, the General Manager of Bosch General Aviation Technology, emphasized the advantages of modifying existing engine designs over creating new ones, citing the expected demand for such innovative solutions in upcoming aviation projects. While the hydrogen aviation sector faces challenges like storage, engine durability, and refueling infrastructure, Bosch's successful engine conversion demonstrates progress. Despite setbacks experienced by other players in the industry, such as Apus Zero Emission and Airbus, Bosch's achievement signifies a positive step towards advancing the use of hydrogen in aviation.
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Aviation
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Aviation Technology
Engine Conversion
Industry Update
Light Aircraft
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