Engine manufacturer sees various possible uses
MTU Aero Engines, Germany’s leading engine manufacturer according to its own statements, explicitly advocates the use of hydrogen for zero-emission flight.
In its press release, MTU writes that it welcomes the so-called ZEROe concepts of aircraft manufacturer Airbus. MTU’s Chief Technology Officer Lars Wagner comments: “Hydrogen is also a very attractive future option for us as an engine manufacturer”.
Immediate use possible
MTU sees three possible uses for hydrogen. Hydrogen, for example, can be converted into sustainable, alternative fuels. According to the company, it can then be used immediately in existing aircraft and engines.
Stefan Weber, head of Technology and Advanced Engineering at MTU in Munich, cites the direct combustion of liquid hydrogen in gas turbines as the second possibility. As explained in the press release, this requires an adaptation of the gas turbine – especially the combustor. Weber believes that this could be achieved in a few years.
MTU focuses on the fuel cell
Then, according to MTU, the third possible use is the conversion of hydrogen into electrical energy using a fuel cell. MTU is convinced of this in the long term. The company has announced that MTU’s experts have also described this application in their technology roadmap on the road to emission-free flying.
According to MTU, fuel cell technology promises to be almost completely emission-free. As an aircraft engine, this technology is still in its infancy, as the company explains. Stefan Weber comments on MTU’s commitment: “We call our fuel cell concept Flying Fuel Cell and have established a team of experts for this purpose in Munich.”
Source: www.kloepfel-consulting.com