Hydrogen-Electric Powertrain Could Enable 80-Passenger, 1500 km Flights
Dutch airline KLM has partnered with British-American startup ZeroAvia. They aim to develop a liquid hydrogen-powered turboprop aircraft.
The companies plan to conduct a flight demonstration between two airports in 2026. ZeroAvia develops hydrogen-electric powertrains for retrofitting onto aircraft.
The startup has raised over $300 million from investors. Backers include Airbus, Amazon, and British Airways.
How Hydrogen-Electric Engines Work?
Hydrogen-electric engines use fuel cells to generate electricity. This powers electric motors that turn the aircraft’s propellers.
The only emission is water vapor. In 2021, ZeroAvia announced plans for the ZA2000 engine.
It will propel an 80-passenger aircraft up to 1,600 km. The engine will be retrofitted to a large regional turboprop.
KLM will help identify the flight route and suitable airports. It will also assist with permits and liquid hydrogen fuel supply.
The Netherlands is Europe’s second-largest hydrogen producer, behind Germany.
Challenges of Liquid Hydrogen Storage
- Liquid hydrogen is denser than gas, making it a better flight fuel. However, it requires storage at ultra-low temperatures below -252.87°C.
- This necessitates expensive cryogenic tanks to maintain the cold conditions. Several industries, including aerospace, already use such tanks.
- Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket uses liquid hydrogen propulsion. But safety requirements differ between space launchers and commercial aircraft.
- Planes must endure many take-offs, landings, and longer storage periods. Despite challenges, ZeroAvia has conducted ground tests of the ZA2000 system.
- Airbus, a ZeroAvia shareholder, is also developing hydrogen-electric aircraft.
Commercialization Plans and Pre-Orders
ZeroAvia aims to sell the ZA2000 powertrain starting in 2027. This is a year after the planned demonstration flight.
The company has over 2,000 pre-orders for its powertrains. Customers include American Airlines, United Airlines, and Ecojet.
The Clean Hydrogen Question
Airlines worldwide seek to decarbonize. Battery-electric and hydrogen-electric propulsion are two leading options.
Read more: Air Products & Daimler Truck: Hydrogen Fueling Partnership