Sweden on Track for Commercial Hydrogen Flights by 2028
Key Ideas
- Swedish scientists are working on hydrogen-powered aircraft to enable commercial flights in Sweden by 2028.
- New heat exchanger technology developed at Chalmers University aims to make hydrogen flights more efficient and eco-friendly.
- By 2045, hydrogen-powered flights could cover 97% of intra-Nordic routes and 59% of Nordic passenger volume, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
- Optimization of heat exchanger technology can potentially increase the range of commercial aircraft by up to 10% by 2045.
Swedish scientists from Chalmers University of Technology are at the forefront of developing hydrogen-powered aircraft for commercial flights. With the aim of having the first commercial hydrogen flights in Sweden by 2028, researchers are focusing on enhancing energy-efficient engines and utilizing new heat exchanger technology to facilitate safe and efficient hydrogen flights for heavy-duty vehicles. The development of patent-pending heat exchangers in collaboration with GKN Aerospace plays a crucial role in transferring heat between supercool hydrogen and the engine, reducing fuel consumption and increasing range. The study suggests that by 2045, hydrogen-powered flights could meet a significant portion of intra-Nordic flight routes, showcasing the potential to reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, the optimization of heat exchanger technology could lead to a 10% increase in the range of standard commercial aircraft by 2045, contributing to a more sustainable aviation industry. The ongoing research at Chalmers University of Technology and the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft technology, with the goal of significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the aviation sector.