What is it about?

This study explores how hydrogen can be used as a cleaner fuel for turbofan engines, typically powered by kerosene. By modeling a hydrogen-powered jet engine, the researchers aim to understand its performance and potential benefits. Hydrogen has a higher energy content per unit mass than kerosene, but it also has challenges, such as storage and handling. The study compares the hydrogen engine's efficiency and environmental impact with traditional kerosene engines. It finds that hydrogen engines can significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions, making air travel more sustainable. The research also examines different ways to integrate hydrogen into the engine's design to optimize its performance through different thermodynamic cycles.

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Why is it important?

This study is unique because it provides an idea of how a hydrogen-powered turbofan engine could perform and assesses the volume of the hydrogen tanks. This research is timely as the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and meet ambitious environmental targets. The cryogenic properties of hydrogen can be used to increase the performance of the engine through alternative thermodynamic cycles, achieving about 35% of the fuel consumption of kerosene engines

Perspectives

Hydrogen holds immense promise for advancing the decarbonization of the aviation sector. Its high energy content and zero carbon emissions make it a compelling alternative to traditional fuels. However, the path to industrial adoption presents many challenges, including storage and handling. There is potential for integrating hydrogen into existing aircraft designs or creating new architectures that better leverage its benefits. Overcoming these obstacles is crucial to unlocking hydrogen's full potential and achieving a sustainable future for air travel.

Lorenzo Folcarelli
Politecnico di Torino

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This page is a summary of: Integrated Numerical Modeling of a Hydrogen Turbofan Engine and Fuel System With Alternative Thermodynamic Cycles, January 2025, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA),
DOI: 10.2514/6.2025-0328.
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