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Pratt & Whitney Makes Strides with #Hydrogen-Steam Hybrid Engine: A Major Step Towards Sustainable Aviation Pratt & Whitney has embarked on an ambitious journey toward decarbonizing aviation with its innovative Hydrogen Steam-Injected, Intercooled Turbine Engine (#HySIITE). Developed under ARPA-E, this novel engine configuration promises impressive reductions in energy use and emissions, incorporating hydrogen's unique cryogenic attributes with the thermodynamic benefits of steam injection. "HySIITE is about us imagining if there were going to be hydrogen and that it was a viable decarbonization pathway," says Neil Terwilliger, Technical Fellow for Advanced Concepts at Pratt & Whitney. "We got a 99.3% reduction of oxides of nitrogen compared with a certified engine today," adds Michael Winter, Chief Scientist at RTX. This groundbreaking engine design could pave the way for the next generation of sustainable flight, enhancing efficiency while drastically minimizing environmental impact. The project showcases a commitment to innovation and a bold vision for the future of aviation. Pratt & Whitney continues to collaborate with global partners, working on various initiatives to push the boundaries of hydrogen propulsion. #SustainableAviation #HydrogenRevolution #GreenTechnology #AviationInnovation #CleanEnergy #NetZeroEmissions #Decarbonization #FutureOfFlight

A bold leap toward the future of aviation. (Here’s why Pratt & Whitney’s #HySIITE concept is a game-changer.) HySIITE, the hydrogen-steam hybrid engine, isn’t just an innovation—it’s a revolution in sustainable propulsion. Here’s what makes it stand out: 1. Thermodynamic innovation Leveraging hydrogen’s cryogenic properties, HySIITE integrates steam injection to achieve 35% lower energy consumption than state-of-the-art engines. 2. Environmental leadership Imagine this: 99% lower NOx emissions, zero carbon emissions, and the ability to produce 1 gallon of water every 3 seconds—transforming aviation’s environmental footprint. 3. Advanced engine design Forget traditional turbofans. HySIITE introduces a reverse compressor, steam-based intercooling, and a semi-closed-loop cycle—pioneering thermal efficiency beyond the limits of conventional systems. 4. Proven feasibility Critical components like the steam-air mix combustor and water separation systems have been validated under ARPA-E’s rigorous tests, bringing this concept closer to reality. This isn’t just a concept; it’s a collaboration between industry leaders like ARPA-E, NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Delft University of Technology, driving decarbonisation goals forward. “Our first pass at this, we blew away the metrics,” says Michael Winter, chief scientist of Pratt & Whitney parent company RTX. “We got a 99.3% reduction of oxides of nitrogen compared with a certified engine today and produced 1 gal. of water every 3 sec. That’s an astonishing amount of water.” The question is: How will innovations like HySIITE shape the future of clean aviation? Let’s discuss. #SustainableAviation #LH2

With the global push toward decarbonization of the environment, 𝐡𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐮𝐞𝐥 appears to be the way forward for novel applications. For ground-based systems, innovative fuel cell technologies have been developed to produce clean energy. However, fuel cell technologies may not be feasible for aviation applications. For the past two years, Pratt & Whitney has been exploring the possibility of using hydrogen as a fuel for next-generation aircraft engine configurations. Under the 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦-𝐈𝐧𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝, 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞 (𝐇𝐲𝐒𝐈𝐈𝐓𝐄) project, they've developed a novel hybrid engine with a highly complex cycle. This engine takes advantage of the cryogenic properties of hydrogen while incorporating the thermodynamic advantages of steam injection. In particular, the concept is said to reduce 𝐍𝐎𝐱 𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝟗𝟗% compared to conventional engines. Personally, I find it fascinating to think about how this breakthrough will affect the design of individual engine components. What will the next generation of engines look like? How will these advances redefine propulsion? As an aspiring propulsion engineer, I can't wait to see how these concepts evolve. And maybe one day, I can help shape that exciting future. For now, I leave you with a link to the article that explores details of this innovative project. I hope you find it as inspiring as I did! Enjoy the reading!

👏 #Highly_Cited_Article in Aerospace MDPI 📜 "Initial Assessment of a Fuel Cell—Gas Turbine Hybrid Propulsion Concept" ✍ Arne Seitz, Markus Nickl, Florian Troeltsch, Kathrin Ebner 🏫 Bauhaus Luftfahrt 🔗 Read via: https://lnkd.in/ebKjAnBV #fuelcell #gasturbine #hybridpropulsion #hydrogenfuel #aircraftdesign #heatexchange #watercondensation #steaminjection #efficiencyassessment #NOxreduction

It's #ThrowbackThursday and we're throwing it back to 22 July 2024, the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow, where we proudly announced the launch of H2FlyGHT—an ambitious £44M programme in collaboration with Parker Meggitt, the University of Nottingham and The University of Manchester, and supported by the UK Government through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI). H2FlyGHT is set to develop a 2-megawatt (MW) cryogenic hydrogen-electric propulsion system. This groundbreaking project will establish new standards for future generations of larger sustainable aircraft by demonstrating an integrated propulsion system at the 2 MW scale, including: -Fuel cell power generation -Cryogenic power distribution -Advanced cryogenic drive systems Together, we’re paving the way for a more sustainable aviation future! #ThrowbackThursday #H2FlyGHT #Teamwork #HydrogenPropulsion #SustainableAviation #FarnboroughAirshow #ATIProgramme #AerospaceInnovation

Advancements in Hybrid-Electric, Hydrogen, and SAF Technologies Set to Transform Aviation Propulsion. By Danielle McLean The aviation industry is witnessing significant advancements in propulsion systems, focusing on hybrid-electric, hydrogen, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technologies. These next-generation solutions are designed to address the industry's growing need for sustainability and reduced carbon emissions. https://lnkd.in/dtv4VTRY Dr. Michael Winter, Chief Science Officer at RTX (parent company of Pratt & Whitney), emphasized the importance of focusing on long-haul flights, which contribute to 80% of aviation emissions. Pratt & Whitney has made strides with its Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine, reducing fuel consumption by 20%, and is now working on the GTF Advantage, aiming for an additional 1% reduction. Sustainable aviation fuel plays a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions. According to Winter, Pratt & Whitney's modern engines can operate on 100% SAF, and the company is actively collaborating with industry partners to bring more SAF to the market. In terms of hydrogen, Pratt & Whitney’s involvement dates back to Project Suntan in the 1950s. Today, it is working on the Hydrogen Steam Injected, Inter-Cooled Turbine Engine (HySIITE), designed to achieve zero CO2 emissions while reducing NOx emissions by up to 80%. GE Aerospace’s CFM RISE program is also making waves, targeting a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions through an open fan architecture and hybrid-electric powertrain. Collaborations with NASA and Airbus further demonstrate the industry’s commitment to hydrogen and hybrid-electric propulsion. https://lnkd.in/dxTqjnT9

Pratt & Whitney unveiled their Hydrogen Steam-Injected, Intercooled Turbine Engine concept—a hybrid engine configuration that combines the advantages of the fuel’s cryogenic properties with the thermodynamic benefits of steam injection. Developed under a U.S. Energy Department Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy grant, the engine’s process is complex and requires more study, the early results are encouraging, showing potential for as much as 35% lower energy use. “Our first pass at this, we blew away the metrics,” says Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering Member Michael Winter, chief scientist at RTX. “We got a 99.3% reduction of oxides of nitrogen compared with a certified engine today and produced one gallon of water every three seconds. That’s an astonishing amount of water.” https://buff.ly/42rGbZa #aviation #environment #carbonemissions #transportation #technology #thermodynamics

GKN Aerospace Unveils Pounds 44M H2FlyGHT Project for Hydrogen-Electric Propulsion. by Sophie Jenkins - London, UK (SPX) GKN Aerospace has introduced H2FlyGHT, an ambitious Pounds 44 million project aimed at developing a 2-megawatt (MW) cryogenic hydrogen-electric propulsion system. This innovative initiative seeks to advance the future of sustainable aviation by focusing on the next generation of larger, eco-friendly aircraft. H2FlyGHT builds on the foundation laid by the H2GEAR project, incorporating advanced thermal management solutions to boost efficiency and performance. The project's goal is to streamline the journey toward flight testing and certification, aligning with customer requirements and industry standards. H2FlyGHT will showcase an integrated propulsion system at the 2 MW scale, which includes  fuel cell power generation, cryogenic power distribution, and sophisticated cryogenic drive systems. GKN Aerospace has partnered with several industry and academic entities to achieve H2FlyGHT's objectives: - Parker Meggitt: Focused on thermal management and the 'balance of plant' for the  fuel cell system, ensuring comprehensive system integration and performance. - University of Manchester: Working on hyperconducting motor coil design, pushing the boundaries of motor technology. - University of Nottingham: Supporting full motor design and scale-up, as well as developing cryogenic inverter technology crucial for high-power, efficient propulsion systems. Russ Dunn, CTO of GKN Aerospace, commented, "The H2FlyGHT project marks a pivotal step in our quest to enable aviation's route to net-zero. Building on H2GEAR's innovations, we are scaling up to 2 MW propulsion system demonstration to maximise the payload and range potential of zero-emission flight. Collaborating with our partners, we aim to streamline the path to flight testing and certification, supporting the industry's move to commercialise sustainable hydrogen platforms by the mid-2030s." Tracy Rice, VP of Technology and Innovation for Parker Aerospace, added, "H2FlyGHT is another key building block towards the hydrogen aircraft and carbon-free aviation. Together with our partners, leveraging our UK footprint and our great engineering capabilities, we are committed to developing the right technologies to enable net-zero emissions by 2050." https://lnkd.in/dnxvvk5c

Why Solar-Powered Aircraft Won’t Work for Commercial Aviation? Given the alarming rate of fossil fuel depletion, a lot of research and development has gone into renewable energy resources. There have been successful projects demonstrating small aircraft operating entirely on solar energy. However, when it comes to commercial airliners, why hasn’t solar power taken off? Here are some reasons why it may not work, at least with the current technology: 1. Aerodynamics and Performance: Installing solar panels (with current technology) on the aircraft body can negatively impact aerodynamics and overall aircraft performance. 2. Weight Limitations: The panels themselves would contribute significantly to the maximum takeoff weight, reducing the available payload capacity for passengers and cargo. 3. Day and Night Operations: Commercial aircraft operate in both day and night conditions, where solar energy may not always be available. This makes it unreliable as the sole energy source. 4. Hybrid Aircraft Challenges: While using solar energy during the day and conventional fuel at night could be a solution, it would require completely redesigning the aircraft to work as a hybrid, involving substantial research and development. 5. Battery Limitations: Storing solar energy during the day for use at night would require large, heavy batteries, which would again reduce the payload capacity. 6. Limited Solar Exposure: Only the side of the aircraft facing the sun would generate power, while shadowed areas would remain ineffective, even during daylight. These are some of the reasons why solar-powered aircraft won’t work for commercial aviation with current technology. Alternative Ideas: 1. Solar Paint: Developing a thin layer of paint capable of converting solar energy into electricity could replace traditional paint. 2. Nuclear Energy: Using nuclear energy instead of solar could be explored, provided radiation can be safely neutralized. Feel free to add more and share your thoughts on this! — Meenakshi Somasundaram ✈️ #RenewableEnergy #Aviation #SolarPower #AircraftDesign #CommercialAirliners #FutureTechnology #SustainableAviation #CleanEnergy #GreenTechnology #HybridAircraft #BatteryTechnology #Aerodynamics #EnergyStorage #Innovation #EnvironmentalImpact

Scientific and Engineering Insights on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Aircraft for the Nordic Market As part of the Swedish government's initiative to decarbonise regional aviation by 2030 & all aviation by 2045, significant advancements have been made in the development of hydrogen-powered aircraft. Chalmers University of Technology recent study, published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, delves into the design and feasibility of a 50-passenger (PAX) H2 fuel cell aircraft tailored to meet the unique demands of the Nordic region. Key Highlights: 1. Aircraft Design & Performance: - Model Development: Using the ATR 42 as a baseline, they developed a H2 fuel cell aircraft model designed to cover 97% of Nordic air travel distances & 58% of daily passenger volume by 2045. - Cryogenic Tanks & Fuel Cells: The design includes cryogenic tanks optimised for minimal boil-off & a multi-stack proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (#PEMFC) system. Our optimal design features a ventilation pressure of 1.76 bar & 15 multi-layer insulation (MLI) layers. - Mission Profiles: The aircraft is capable of a design mission range of 1200 km, covering a significant portion of the Nordic market. They also explored a return-without-refuel mission, demonstrating the aircraft's ability to retain 43.5% of its design range after a 10-hour ground hold. 2. Technological Innovations: - High-Efficiency Fuel Cells: Modern PEMFCs offer high efficiency despite the challenge of heat rejection. Future improvements with high-temperature PEMFCs promise better performance. - Hybrid Propulsion Potential: Combining fuel cells with electric motors and turboprops can enhance efficiency & reduce weight, as shown in various hybrid propulsion studies. 3. Engineering Challenges & Solutions: - #Tank Insulation and Pressure Control: The study performed a detailed trade analysis on #MLI tank designs, highlighting the importance of optimising insulation thickness and ventilation pressure to minimize fuel loss & ensure efficient operation. - Aircraft Sizing Adjustments: Adjustments in fuselage and wing design were necessary to accommodate the H2 storage systems, resulting in an increase in mass & wetted area. 4. Environmental & Economic Impact: - Zero In-Flight CO2 Emissions: H2 fuel cell #aircraft emit only water vapor, significantly reducing climate impact. While contrail formation is a concern, its overall climate effect is expected to be less persistent. - Infrastructure & Feasibility: To support early adoption, we considered scenarios where H2 refueling infrastructure is limited, demonstrating the aircraft's capability to perform return missions without refueling. This research underscores the potential of H2 fuel cell technology in revolutionising regional air travel, aligning with global sustainability goals while addressing the specific needs of the Nordic aviation market. https://lnkd.in/eiVv8tCm #SustainableAviation #Hydrogen #Decarbonisation #Innovation #LH2