Sustainable Refueling Remains a Hot Topic for Next-Gen Development

ZeroAvia and Absolut Hydrogen have announced a partnership to jointly develop liquid hydrogen refueling infrastructure, a vital aspect of the future sustainable aviation ecosystem.

Up to now, most hydrogen-powered aircraft have relied on the element in its less energy-dense, gaseous form, leaving valuable energy 'on the table' compared to a much more efficient liquid. The companies set out a joint roadmap for powering aircraft with Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) by 2027, setting a goal of powering planes with up to 80 passenger seats. The order is a tall one, requiring work on nearly every aspect of the chain of energy, from separating and synthesizing the H2 to condensing it, compressing it, loading it, and burning it. ZeroAvia sees hydrogen as the best way forward, though, given its blend of portability, ubiquity, efficiency, and cleanliness. Hard to argue with something that blends the best of both current petroleum infrastructure and sustainable, renewable tech. 

Absolut Hydrogen will lend their expertise in LH2 systems, which currently focus on "complex cryogenic systems" for the fuel's use in a range of industries. Absolut is offering a full LH2 product range with an entry-level, small scale hydrogen liquefaction system to produce 110 lbs per day. A larger Turbo-Brayton based H2 liquefier will put out 220 lbs per day, with an upscaled version daily producing a full ton of LH2.

Whilst ZeroAvia’s first certified powertrains already undergoing development will be powered by gaseous hydrogen, their next system, the ZA2000, will use LH2. The2 to 5.4 megawatt modular powertrain will be aimed at the 40 to 80 seat aircraft market, with an eye towards service in 2027. If successful, the liquid hydrogen will provide a quantitative leap for the aircraft's performance, allowing more energy to be stored int its tanks, to fly longer routes with more payload.

“As well as building our in-house liquid hydrogen knowledge over the last few months, it has been critical to establish partnerships to begin building the ecosystem that can deliver liquid hydrogen fuel for larger aircraft, at larger airport locations," said Arnab Chaterjee, VP overseeing Infrastructure at ZeroAvia. "Retaining and growing aviation will bring us all closer together and keep the world small, but it depends upon this quest for zero-emission aviation being successful.”

Jérôme Lacapère, CEO of Absolut Hydrogen, mirrored that enthusiasm. "This partnership with ZeroAvia is an opportunity to take a new step towards a more sustainable aviation. Liquid hydrogen is considered the most advantageous state for tomorrow's aviation and heavy-duty mobility in general, and Absolut Hydrogen enables its availability thanks to its H2 liquefiers. I am convinced this partnership will lead to new standards on liquid hydrogen infrastructure for aircrafts."

FMI: www.zeroavia.com