Study Of Hydrogen As An Aircraft Fuel

The conversion to hydrogen as a naval aviation fuel would allow for independence on fuel cost and supply, as hydrogen is globally accessible. The biggest obstacle to using hydrogen is its very low density, a property that even combined with hydrogen's high heat of combustion still results in very large fuel tanks. Liquid hydrogen (LH2) with its higher density would still require a larger volume than kerosene for the aircraft to achieve the same mission. Another problem with using LH2 is its cryogenic nature, a property that requires complicated fuel tanks and more careful fueling. A design study has been conducted for this report to determine the feasibility of using LH2. A Lockheed- Martin P-3 Orion configuration was modified to accommodate LH2 as its fuel, its mission parameters kept unchanged. It is concluded from this design study that using LH2 would significantly limit the amount of usable cabin space, as the fuel tank takes up 65% of the aircraft's internal volume. Despite the large LH2 tank weight of about l4,865lb, due to the low fuel weight the aircraft's takeoff gross weight is only ll3,646lb, about 80% of the current petroleum-fueled P-3. The total cost of LH2 as fuel is currently undetermined.

Liquid hydrogen is shown to be the ideal fuel for civil transport aircraft, as well as for many types of military aircraft. Hydrogen Aircraft Technology discusses the potential of hydrogen for subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic applications. Designs with sample configurations of aircraft for all three speed categories are presented, in addition to performance comparisons to equivalent designs for aircraft using conventional kerosine-type fuel and configurations for aircraft using liquid methane fuel. Other topics discussed include conceptual designs of the principal elements of fuel containment systems required for cryogenic fuels, operational elements (e.g., pumps, valves, pressure regulators, heat exchangers, lines and fittings), modifications for turbine engines to maximize the benefit of hydrogen, safety aspects compared to kerosine and methane fueled designs, equipment and facility designs for servicing hydrogen-fueled aircraft, production methods for liquid hydrogen, and the environmental advantages for using liquid hydrogen. The book also presents a plan for conducting the necessary development of technology and introducing hydrogen fuel into the worldwide civil air transport industry. Hydrogen Aircraft Technology will provide fascinating reading for anyone interested in aircraft and hydrogen fuel designs.

This book explores cutting-edge topics on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in aviation. Coverage includes comparisons with conventional technologies, hydrogen storage options, energy management strategies, life cycle assessment, and application of fuel cells in different aerial vehicle classes. It also offers insights into recent progress and new technological developments in the field, along with case studies and practical applications. Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies in Aviation is an invaluable guide for students, researchers, and engineers working on sustainable air transportation and the performance and environmental analysis of fuel cell-powered aerial vehicles.