ZeroAvia, a Gloucestershire-based aviation company, is spearheading a remarkable transformation in the aviation industry. By developing an electric engine that creates no carbon emissions and runs on hydrogen fuel cells, the company aims to achieve the decarbonization of aviation much sooner than previously anticipated. With the successful completion of nine test flights using their hydrogen-electric engine, ZeroAvia is making significant strides towards a greener future for air travel.
1. How it Works:
Unlike other aerospace firms, ZeroAvia is accelerating its progress by retrofitting an existing aircraft rather than designing an entirely new one. Their focus is on the Dornier 228, a conventional 19-seater plane with two propellers powered by kerosene. One of the kerosene engines has been replaced by an electric engine that runs on electricity generated from a hydrogen fuel cell. During the testing phase, the second engine remains fueled by kerosene as a backup.
Once the technology is proven, both engines will operate on electricity produced by the hydrogen fuel cell. This streamlined approach allows ZeroAvia to concentrate its safety tests on the new engine, simplifying the certification process in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority. Test pilot Jon Killerby attests to the engine’s capabilities, stating that the aircraft can fly purely on the hydrogen-electric system without relying on the conventional engine.
2. A Truly ‘Green’ Solution:
Hydrogen fuel cells are not novel; they have been extensively used in cars and trucks. The process of “reverse hydrolysis” combines hydrogen with oxygen to generate heat, water vapor, and crucially, electricity. As a result, the engine emits no greenhouse gasses.
The source of hydrogen is a critical factor in determining the environmental impact. While some hydrogen production methods involve treating natural gas with steam, which is unsustainable, others utilize electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity. This environmentally friendly approach, known as green hydrogen, aligns with the aviation industry’s need to replace kerosene with a sustainable alternative.
3. Plane Size and Range:
ZeroAvia’s initial focus is on the Dornier 228, a smaller 12-passenger aircraft with a hydrogen engine on board. The aircraft’s range spans approximately 250-310 miles (400-500 km), making it suitable for regional flights such as Bristol to Newcastle or London to Paris.
The company plans to develop a larger hydrogen-electric engine by 2027 capable of powering bigger aircraft. This upgraded engine could carry around 50 passengers and achieve a range of about 620 miles (1,000 km).
4. Challenges in Implementation:
As with any emerging technology, there are challenges to address. The aviation industry must establish an entirely new infrastructure to accommodate hydrogen fuel cells. This includes hydrogen production centres, a network for fuel transportation to airports, and suitable storage facilities. Compared to conventional kerosene, hydrogen requires significantly more space and must either be compressed to high pressures or chilled to extremely low temperatures when transported as a liquid.
The optimization and efficiency of hydrogen as a fuel are still being improved, and the necessary infrastructure is in its early stages of development.
5. Realizing the Potential:
Despite these challenges, ZeroAvia’s progress is gaining momentum. The company has already received orders for over 1,500 of its first engines. Air Cahana, a Californian airline committed to decarbonizing aviation, is among the early adopters. Another customer, environmental entrepreneur Dale Vince, plans to use ZeroAvia engines for flights on his airline “Ecojet,” initially connecting Edinburgh and Southampton.
ZeroAvia’s success has piqued the interest of larger aerospace companies like Airbus, which also explores hydrogen-based solutions under its ZeroE research program. While Airbus aims to have hydrogen-powered planes in operation by 2035, ZeroAvia’s advances offer hope for a cleaner and greener aviation future much sooner.
Conclusion:
ZeroAvia’s pioneering work with its hydrogen-electric engine represents a significant leap towards sustainable aviation. By retrofitting existing aircraft and using green hydrogen as a clean energy source, the company is rapidly advancing the decarbonization of the aviation industry. While challenges lie ahead in infrastructure and optimization, the resounding interest and early adoption by airlines demonstrate the potential of hydrogen-electric technology to revolutionize air travel, paving the way for a more environmentally conscious and responsible aviation sector.
