Hybrid H₂ Powertrain Characterization for Aircraft Design and Integration

To advance the readiness of electrified power and propulsion systems for aircraft, a ground test platform has been configured to characterize a hydrogen-electric hybrid distributed propulsion system architecture. The power system utilized hydrogen stored in compressed gaseous form, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack, and lithium polymer batteries to provide power to distributed electric ducted fans. The objective of this work is to asses the performance metrics, efficiencies, electro-thermal operating condition, fuel utilization, and failure modes of such a system. A complete powertrain design process is presented, including the data collection process and hardware-in-the-loop control strategies. Fuel consumption, thermal performance, electrical power production and usage, mechanical power and thrust produced are measured across varying ambient conditions, differing flight profiles, failure modes, and control configurations. Data are analyzed to extract component efficiency curves, and conclusions are drawn about vehicle operating envelope and powertrain integration.