Skip to main content

Hydrogen-powered aircraft: what are the challenges ahead?

By #!31Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:34:35 +0200p3531#31Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:34:35 +0200p-11Europe/Paris3131Europe/Parisx31 21am31am-31Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:34:35 +0200p11Europe/Paris3131Europe/Parisx312021Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:34:35 +02003411347amWednesday=94#!31Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:34:35 +0200pEurope/Paris7#July 21st, 2021#!31Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:34:35 +0200p3531#/31Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:34:35 +0200p-11Europe/Paris3131Europe/Parisx31#!31Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:34:35 +0200pEurope/Paris7#Airbus

Technological innovation is in full swing this century. Hundreds of creations are flooding the market. Such is the case of Airbus, which has inaugurated hydrogen-powered prototype aircraft. It's a technological revolution in the making. What are the challenges facing a hydrogen-powered aircraft? Focus on them!

What are the safety guarantees?

In theaeronauticssafety is the most important criterion for designers. They must be able to guarantee maximum assurance for all stakeholders (passengers, pilots, politicians). Even if there is no such thing as zero risk, it's important to limit breakage.

L'hydrogen is an explosive material, especially in the presence of oxygen. It is more flammable than kerosene. So you may well wonder how this gas can be considered as the aircraft's main operating element.

The answer to this question should be the first step towards challenge project initiators. They must take care to build solid tanks to reduce the potential risk of leakage. Visit hydrogen distribution networks will also require special attention.

All this, under the guidance of the bodies responsible for publishing the international standards in force. Should an accident occur, the project would be jeopardized and would have to be either suspended or stopped permanently.

How do you set up a supply system?

Hydrogen is a rare substance, the production of which depends mainly on sources of energy.fossil energies. Its main advantage is that it largely solves the problems of greenhouse gases. It doesn't produce enough CO2 during flights. So we'll have to think about setting up a mass distribution channel.

The manufacturers of hydrogen-powered aircraft need to think about a independent subsidiary of its continuous production. This will obviously have an impact on the planet's ecological balance. Stations supplying hydrogen must be permanently available everywhere. This distribution must be balanced and follow well-defined criteria.

It's important to emphasize that, in the event of a stock-out, the consequences could be far-reaching in every respect. Moreover, to have hydrogen in its liquid state, it must be kept at a temperature of -253°C.

Will returns be better?

To finalize the design and launch of thehydrogen-powered aircraftHowever, it is important to consider the profitability of the project. Some observers believe that the benefits will be lower than with conventional solutions. Nonetheless, in the long term, the project would deliver satisfactory results.

For this reason, European nations are launching calls for projects to finance the full-scale production of hydrogen. The initiators should also think about possible diversification. Instead of limiting themselves to aircraft, we could have other means of transport with the same operating mode. These could include cars or motorcycles, for example. This is a very interesting alternative to consider.

Marc Leonelli

Hello, my name is Olivier and I'm 37 years old. I'm an airline pilot and I've had a passion for aviation since I was a child. Welcome to my website, where I share my experience, my adventures and my passion for flying. I look forward to helping you discover the world through my pilot's eyes.

Leave a Reply

en_USEnglish