Pioneering Hydrogen-Powered Plane Engine Development at ETH Zurich
Key Ideas
  • Researchers at ETH Zurich are conducting experiments to develop powerful and durable jet engines optimized for hydrogen fuel, a key component in enabling climate-neutral flights.
  • The team's studies focus on controlling vibrations that can lead to material fatigue in hydrogen engines, critical in ensuring the engines' longevity and safety.
  • The EU project HYDEA, involving collaboration with GE Aerospace, aims to optimize hydrogen injection nozzles for high-performance hydrogen engines, with testing under real flight conditions.
  • While developing hydrogen-powered planes is feasible, the main challenge lies in establishing the infrastructure for producing and transporting climate-neutral hydrogen on a large scale.
Engineers at ETH Zurich are at the forefront of developing hydrogen-powered aircraft engines. As Europe gears up for climate-neutral flight with sustainably produced hydrogen, researchers are focused on adapting jet engines to run efficiently on this new fuel. Professor Noiray and his team are addressing challenges such as managing vibrations that could lead to material fatigue in hydrogen engines. By conducting experiments and simulations at their state-of-the-art facility, they are paving the way for high-performance hydrogen engines. Through the EU project HYDEA, in collaboration with GE Aerospace, they are testing hydrogen injection nozzles under real flight conditions. Professor Noiray emphasizes that while developing the engines is achievable, establishing the infrastructure for producing and transporting climate-neutral hydrogen remains a significant hurdle. This comprehensive effort is necessary to ensure a successful transition to hydrogen-powered aviation.
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