Next Hydrogen and Pratt & Whitney Canada Collaborate on Hydrogen Aviation Technology
Key Ideas
- Next Hydrogen and Pratt & Whitney Canada are developing high-efficiency electrolyzers for hydrogen production in the aviation industry, supported by Canada's Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT).
- Pratt & Whitney Canada will demonstrate hydrogen combustion technology on a PW127XT regional turboprop engine under the project HyADES, showing the versatility of the engine to operate with low carbon alternative fuels.
- The collaboration aims to reduce aviation CO2 emissions through the use of green hydrogen as a direct fuel for combustion or feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), complementing efforts in improving engine efficiency and hybrid-electric propulsion.
- Additionally, a second project, TEAME, will focus on exploring advanced materials for gas turbine engines to enhance thermal efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and emissions, showcasing a commitment to sustainable aviation technology.
Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. and Pratt & Whitney Canada are partnering to develop high-efficiency, low-cost electrolyzers essential for establishing hydrogen production infrastructure in the aviation industry. The project, named Hydrogen Advanced Design Engine Study (HyADES), will see Pratt & Whitney Canada demonstrating hydrogen combustion technology on a PW127XT regional turboprop engine with the support of Canada's Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT). This initiative aims to develop key technologies for future hydrogen-powered aircraft and enhance aviation sustainability through various pathways, including engine efficiency improvements and the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The project will involve funding for fuel nozzle and combustor rig testing using hydrogen fuel, with future phases targeting full engine ground testing.
The collaboration between Next Hydrogen and Pratt & Whitney Canada also includes a second INSAT-supported project, Turbine Engine Advanced Materials for Efficiency (TEAME). This project will focus on exploring advanced materials for gas turbine engines to improve thermal efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and emissions. By leveraging innovative technologies and sustainable practices, the partnership aims to reduce aviation CO2 emissions by utilizing green hydrogen either as a direct fuel for combustion or as feedstock for SAF.
Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW127XT engine, known for its high efficiency, improved time on wing, and reduced maintenance costs, offers significant advantages in fuel efficiency. The collaboration with Next Hydrogen and INSAT signifies a strategic effort to drive the adoption of green hydrogen in aviation and reduce the industry's environmental impact. Additionally, the partnership with Derivation Research Laboratory (DRL) to explore advanced materials for gas turbine engines underlines a commitment to advancing sustainable aviation technology through ongoing research and innovation. The projects demonstrate a positive outlook on hydrogen as a crucial element in achieving sustainable aviation practices and reducing carbon emissions in the industry.