Significant progress is being made in the race to decarbonize mobility. We have already seen the new Hybrid hydrogen engine for naval transport. The next step is air transport, which, due to its characteristics, faces serious challenges. This might change with the new Airbus aircraft, which might usher in the era of emission-free flights.
The first zero-emission aircraft: Airbus scores a major victory in the race to decarbonise aviation
Long-distance flights require large, heavy aircraft, which necessitates a significant amount of energy. This energy is provided by the titanic engines that drive the turbines. To this day, there are no viable alternatives to replace fossil fuels in this sense.
There have been significant developments in the use of biofuels and synthetic fuels for passenger air transport, but these are expensive to produce on a large scale and lack the energy efficiency of traditional fuels. However, Airbus is betting on the fuel of the future: hydrogen. They seem to have found a viable solution thanks to hybridization.
This is a new hydrogen engine that combines fuel cells with hydrogen gas to power a long-distance aircraft capable of traveling without emitting greenhouse gases. The new engine will be on board the test model ZERO for ground demonstrations, while they are modifying the A380 MSN1 for flight tests.
The aircraft of the future will be hybrid: electricity and hydrogen will be the winning combination
For some time now, trials have been underway to use hydrogen gas as an aircraft fuel. However, this noble gas requires complex and expensive infrastructure for its storage and lacks the autonomy of the hydrocarbons that are normally used, so a viable technology has not yet been achieved.
On the other hand, fuel cell engines would be cheaper and easier to implement. In this case, electricity is generated to move a propeller engine, although the power it can deliver is insufficient. That is why Airbus’ solution combines both technologies efficiently to create what might be the first emission-free commercial aircraft.
The revolutionary hydrogen engine that will be incorporated in its next models would use hydrogen gas to drive a turbine and, in turn, the potential energy of this turbine would be used to generate electricity. This electricity would feed a fuel cell engine that would compensate for the load of the main turbine, allowing the plane to meet the demands of air transport.
Ready for 2035: the first zero-emissions aircraft will take off in time for the end of the combustion engine
The European Union has announced the ban on combustion engines by 2035. This has forced all industries to work at full speed to eliminate CO2 emissions from their production chains.
The new hydrogen engine is part of the ZEROe technology with which the company plans to compete in a market that demands sustainability as an essential requirement for operation. According to the company, the fuel cell technology should allow a range of 1,000 nautical miles for the transport of 100 passengers.
Europe will be the stage for the sustainable revolution
In Spain the fight is already beginning a corporate battle between two electric car giants. Europe is one of the strongest markets and, at the same time, one of those that have established the most regulations and legislation for decarbonisation. It is thanks to this that all brands are focusing their efforts on the implementation of alternative energies such as the hydrogen engine.
The First Zero-Emission Aircraft: Airbus Scores a Major Victory in the Race to Decarbonize Aviation
In the midst of the race to decarbonize mobility, significant progress is being made. We have already seen the new Hybrid hydrogen engine for naval transport. The next step is air transport, which, due to its characteristics, faces serious challenges. This might change with the new Airbus aircraft, which might start the era of emission-free flights.
Long-Distance Flights and the Need For Innovation
Long-distance flights require large, heavy aircraft, which require a large amount of energy, which is provided by the titanic engines that drive the turbines. To this day, There are no viable alternatives to replace fossil fuels in this sense.
There have been significant developments in the use of biofuels and synthetic fuels for passenger air transport, but these are expensive to produce on a large scale and lack the energy efficiency of traditional fuels. However, Airbus is betting on the fuel of the future: hydrogen. They seem to have found a viable solution thanks to hybridisation.
The Power of Hybridisation: A New Era for Aviation
This is a new hydrogen engine that combines fuel cells with hydrogen gas to power a long-distance aircraft capable of travelling without emitting greenhouse gases. The new engine will be on board the test model ZERO for ground demonstrations, while they are modifying the A380 MSN1 for flight tests.
How the New Engine Works: A Combination of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Gas
For some time now, trials have been underway to use hydrogen gas as an aircraft fuel. However, this noble gas requires complex and expensive infrastructure for its storage and lacks the autonomy of the hydrocarbons that are normally used, so a viable technology has not yet been achieved.
On the other hand, fuel cell engines would be cheaper and easier to implement. In this case, electricity is generated to move a propeller engine, although the power it can deliver is insufficient. That is why Airbus’ solution combines both technologies efficiently to create what might be the first emission-free commercial aircraft.
The revolutionary hydrogen engine that will be incorporated in its next models would use hydrogen gas to drive a turbine and, in turn, the potential energy of this turbine would be used to generate electricity. This electricity would feed a fuel cell engine that would compensate for the load of the main turbine, allowing the plane to meet the demands of air transport.
A Look at the Timeline: Ready for Takeoff in 2035
The European Union has announced the ban on combustion engines by 2035. This has forced all industries to work at full speed to eliminate CO2 emissions from their production chains.
The new hydrogen engine is part of the ZEROe technology with which the company plans to compete in a market that demands sustainability as an essential requirement for operation. According to the company, the fuel cell technology should allow a range of 1,000 nautical miles for the transport of 100 passengers.
Europe: Leading the Way in Sustainable Aviation
In Spain, the fight is already beginning a corporate battle between two electric car giants. Europe is one of the strongest markets and, at the same time, one of those that have established the most regulations and legislation for decarbonisation. It is thanks to this that all brands are focusing their efforts on the implementation of alternative energies such as the hydrogen engine.
Benefits of Hydrogen Engines in Aviation
- Zero Emissions: Hydrogen engines produce no greenhouse gases, making them a clean and sustainable solution for air travel.
- Increased Energy Efficiency: Hybridisation allows for optimal use of energy, potentially extending the range of aircraft.
- Reduced Noise Pollution: Hydrogen engines are expected to be quieter than traditional jet engines.
- Reduced Dependency on Fossil Fuels: Transitioning to hydrogen can help reduce reliance on finite fossil fuels.
Challenges and Considerations
While the development of hydrogen engines for aviation is promising, there are still challenges:
- Infrastructure Development: Extensive infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution will be required.
- Cost: Hydrogen production and fuel cell technology currently have higher costs than traditional fuels.
- Safety: Ensuring the safe handling and storage of hydrogen is crucial.
- Research and Development: Continued research and investment are needed to improve the efficiency and practicality of hydrogen engines.
Conclusion
The development of the new Airbus hydrogen engine represents a significant step forward in the journey towards sustainable aviation. This revolutionary technology has the potential to transform air travel, ushering in an era of emission-free flights. While challenges remain, the commitment to innovation and the growing demand for sustainable solutions make this a journey worth pursuing.
