Hybridization Impact on Emissions for Hydrogen Fuel-Cell/Turbo-Electric Aircraft

Elias G. Waddington, Himavath Jois, Matthew G. Lauer, Yogi Patel, Phillip J. Ansell

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the trade-off between emissions and fuel consumption for a single-aisle hybrid-electric transport-category aircraft with an entry-into-service date of 2050 with a mission capability comparable to a Boeing 737-800. The aircraft hybrid power system comprises a hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen-burning gas turbine generator, with the power provided at varying hybridization factors. This generation system provides electric power that drives ducted propulsors distributed across the aircraft. The fuel cell and turboshaft powerplant performance is modeled and key performance parameters are passed to a genetic algorithm for optimization. A Pareto front is presented that demonstrates the impact of hybridization factor, or the proportion of power that comes from the turbine or fuel cell, on emission and fuel consumption. Two proton exchange membrane fuel cell cases were evaluated: a low-temperature, contemporary system with specific power of 1 kW/kg and a projected, high temperature system with specific power of 2.7 kW/kg. The contemporary system showed a distinct variability in environmental outcomes and fuel requirements with changing hybridization factor, demonstrating the possibility of hybridization for minimizing fuel consumption or environmental outcomes. For the projected high temperature fuel cell case, the design space demonstrated that an aircraft powered fully by fuel cells produces both the minimum fuel requirement and environmental impact. Additionally, lifecycle analysis is performed for the production of liquid hydrogen fuel using steam methane reformation and electrolysis pathways. This analysis demonstrates that production pathway and grid composition dominate total well-to-wake emissions for hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition, AIAA AVIATION Forum 2023
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624107047
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023
Externally publishedYes
EventAIAA Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition, AIAA AVIATION Forum 2023 - San Diego, United States
Duration: Jun 12 2023Jun 16 2023

Publication series

NameAIAA Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition, AIAA AVIATION Forum 2023

Conference

ConferenceAIAA Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition, AIAA AVIATION Forum 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period6/12/236/16/23

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Nuclear Energy and Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering

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