Demonstration of a hydrogen aircraft engine

In order to achieve the European Union's target of CO2 neutrality in the aviation industry by 2050, research and development of new propulsion methods is required. Hydrogen-powered aircraft engines will play an important role in combating greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft engines, but at the same time economic, political and technological factors are working against this goal. The introduction of dual-fuel engines is therefore a necessary step on the road to climate-neutral aviation.

The CAVENDISH (Consortium for the advent of aero-engine demonstration and aircraft integration strategy with hydrogen) project aims to lay the foundations for carbon-neutral aviation by demonstrating a hydrogen-powered aircraft engine on the ground. In parallel, it will develop and validate dual fuel injectors capable of burning liquid fuels and hydrogen in combined or single mode. The development of a dual-fuel combustion system presents new challenges. Ensuring lower pollutant emissions compared to conventional combustion while maintaining safe operation in all phases of flight is beyond the current state of the art. The Institute of Propulsion Technology is playing a dual role. Firstly, we will investigate two Rolls-Royce Deutschland dual-fuel combustion systems and, secondly, we will develop and validate a research-oriented dual-fuel injector based on completed and ongoing research work in the SkaMa-SLM, Eco2Fly and WotAn projects.

Our test facilities, the Single Nozzle Sector Test Stand and High-Pressure Test Facility HBK1, have optical access to the combustion zone. In collaboration with our Engine Measurements Department, we will investigate the emission characteristics of dual-fuel combustion using laser-based diagnostics and intrusive exhaust gas analysis, as well as particle measurements at the end of the combustion chamber. This will pave the way for further advances in sustainable aviation.