Netherlands LH2 Composite Tank Consortium Progress Report
Key Ideas
  • The Netherlands LH2 composite tank consortium aims to validate a fully composite tank for storing LH2 in civil aircraft by 2025, receiving significant recognition and progress in 2024.
  • The consortium, consisting of 14 companies, is advancing materials, cryogenic testing, automated fiber placement, tank designs, sensor development, and more to enable the transition to hydrogen power systems in aviation.
  • Toray Advanced Composites and Royal NLR are conducting material testing programs to enhance the performance of composite materials in cryogenic conditions, essential for achieving weight savings and long-term decarbonization in commercial aviation.
  • GKN Fokker and Royal NLR are working on designing LH2 composite tanks for large and small aircraft, respectively, to enable zero-emission flight and extend the range of H2-powered aircraft like the Pipistrel Velis Electro.
The Netherlands LH2 composite tank consortium is on track to validate a fully composite tank for storing liquid hydrogen in civil aircraft by 2025. The project, funded by the Dutch government, includes key players like Toray Advanced Composites and Royal NLR, aiming to revolutionize aviation with sustainable hydrogen technology. The consortium recently received the Best Poster Award at a prestigious conference in Germany, recognizing its significant progress. Comprising 14 companies in the Netherlands, the consortium is advancing various aspects of composite tank technology, including materials testing, cryogenic performance, automated manufacturing processes, tank design optimization, and sensor development. These efforts are crucial for transitioning to hydrogen power systems in aviation, offering weight savings and contributing to long-term decarbonization in the industry. Toray Advanced Composites and Royal NLR are at the forefront of material testing programs, focusing on mechanical performance, cryogenic behavior, and H2 permeability of composite materials. The goal is to provide lightweight solutions that perform well in extreme cryogenic environments, enabling the efficient use of hydrogen for aviation. GKN Fokker and Royal NLR are collaborating on designing LH2 composite tanks for different aircraft sizes. While GKN Fokker focuses on large commercial aircraft, Royal NLR is developing tanks for smaller aircraft like the Pipistrel Velis Electro. These tanks, designed as Type 5 pressure vessels without a liner, feature a double-walled construction for better thermal insulation while maintaining cryogenic temperatures. This innovative approach supports the consortium's vision of zero-emission flight and the expansion of hydrogen-powered aircraft capabilities.
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