Pratt & Whitney Canada to Test Hydrogen Combustion Technology on Regional Turboprop Engine
Key Ideas
  • Pratt & Whitney Canada in Montreal is collaborating with Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. to test hydrogen combustion technology on the PW127XT regional turboprop engine as part of Canada’s Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology.
  • The Hydrogen Advanced Design Engine Study (HyADES) project aims to develop key technologies for future hydrogen-powered aircraft and improve aviation sustainability through various pathways, including engine efficiency enhancements and compatibility with sustainable aviation fuel.
  • The project will involve testing fuel nozzles and combustors with hydrogen fuel in the initial phase, followed by full engine ground testing. The versatility of adapting the PW127XT engine to operate with low carbon alternative fuels is a significant aspect of this initiative.
  • Additionally, another INSAT-backed project, the Turbine Engine Advanced Materials for Efficiency (TEAME) venture, will explore advanced materials for gas turbine engine hot sections to enhance thermal efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Pratt & Whitney Canada, based in Montreal, is embarking on a significant project to test hydrogen combustion technology on its PW127XT regional turboprop engine as part of Canada’s Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT). This initiative, known as the Hydrogen Advanced Design Engine Study (HyADES), involves a partnership with Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc., focusing on developing efficient electrolyzers for hydrogen production infrastructure. The project aims to pave the way for future hydrogen-powered aircraft, aligning with efforts to enhance aviation sustainability through advancements in engine efficiency, hybrid-electric propulsion, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) compatibility. The collaboration will include testing fuel nozzles and combustors with hydrogen fuel initially, leading to full engine ground testing in subsequent phases. The PW127XT engine, part of the PW100 series, was introduced in 2021 as Pratt & Whitney Canada's most advanced turboprop engine, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation in the aviation sector. Moreover, Pratt & Whitney Canada is also engaged in the Turbine Engine Advanced Materials for Efficiency (TEAME) project in partnership with Derivation Research Laboratory (DRL). This endeavor aims to explore advanced materials for gas turbine engine hot sections to achieve improved thermal efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and lower emissions. Pratt & Whitney Canada will play a key role in overseeing and managing the project, while DRL will contribute its expertise in advanced materials testing capabilities. The collaborative efforts between Pratt & Whitney Canada, Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc., and other partners signify a positive step towards advancing sustainable aviation technologies and reducing carbon emissions in the industry.
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