British aviation giant Rolls-Royce has sparked a technological revolution in the aviation industry by patenting a brand new engine that uses hydrogen as fuel. It is a drive that does not release carbon dioxide during combustion, but only water vapor – which makes it one of the cleanest solutions for future aviation.
Revolutionary hydrogen combustion technology
According to the patent filing, Rolls-Royce has developed an advanced system that heats hydrogen before combustion. Since liquid hydrogen is stored at extremely low temperatures (about -253°C), part of the fuel is used to heat the rest, thus achieving more efficient and stable combustion. Practically, the engine uses its own heat for optimal operation.
Hydrogen – an energy source without emissions
Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen does not pollute the atmosphere when burned. However, its use requires special technology, special tanks and new infrastructure. Rolls-Royce seeks to overcome these challenges and enable the first generation of hydrogen-powered passenger aircraft.
According to experts’ estimates, hydrogen engines could appear in smaller passenger planes around 2035, while large intercontinental aircraft will need at least another ten years of development, according to Simple Flying.
Two decades of research
Rolls-Royce has been working on hydrogen-related technologies for twenty years. Hybrid systems combining gas turbines and hydrogen fuel cells are currently being tested, which would enable electric propulsion without the need for large batteries. The first applications are expected in regional and short-haul traffic, while long flights will depend on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) for some time to come.
Europe in the race for “green skies”
The European Union invests significantly in the development of hydrogen aircraft through the Horizon Europe and Clean Aviation programs. Rolls-Royce is the leader of the CAVENDISH project, which includes the development of engines, technology and infrastructure for hydrogen propulsion.
However, the challenges remain great: global hydrogen production is insufficient, infrastructure has yet to be built, and the price of “green hydrogen” is still many times higher than kerosene. According to the assessment of the International Energy Agency, more massive profitability is expected only after 2035.
Airbus slows down – Rolls-Royce accelerates
Contrary to the British giant, Airbus postponed its ZEROe program and now plans the first hydrogen plane only after 2040. Even the planned testing on the A380 platform was delayed due to technical complications.
Rolls-Royce, however, announces that the first hydrogen engines for regional aircraft will be ready in the mid-2030s, while hydrogen-electric systems could be completed as early as 2028.
Flying without emissions – one step closer
Although hydrogen aviation is still in its early stages, experts consider it one of the key steps towards completely clean air travel. The most likely scenario is the parallel use of hydrogen and sustainable fuels, until the conditions for completely “green” flights are created.
If Rolls-Royce fulfills its ambitious plans, future generations of aircraft could fly on the simplest element in space – hydrogen.
Source: Aero Telegraf – https://aero.telegraf.rs/avio-kompanije/4197046-stize-buducnost-rols-rojs-patentirao-motor-na-vodonik-avioni-ce-leteti-bez-kapi-kerozina
