Air travel contributes around 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. Despite decades of research into alternative fuels, aviation emissions remain high. NASA is working to change that. NASA has awarded a grant to Phillip Ansell of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on developing a hybrid hydrogen-powered aircraft engine called Hy2PASS.
Hy2PASS, or Hydrogen Hybrid Power for Aviation Sustainable Systems, combines a fuel cell and a gas turbine. Unlike traditional hybrids, it uses an advanced air-handling method to optimize efficiency.
HOW HY2PASS WORKS
In most hybrid systems, a fuel cell generates electricity, which powers a compressor linked to a turbine. In Hy2PASS, the compressor operates independently, reducing wasted heat and improving energy use.
This setup allows the compressor to provide oxygen to both the turbine and the fuel cell’s cathode, maintaining peak efficiency. As a result, the only emission from this system is water vapor.
WHY THIS ENGINE COULD BE A GAME CHANGER
The Hy2PASS system eliminates harmful emissions and maximizes fuel efficiency. With optimized pressure control, it reduces energy waste, making air travel cleaner and more sustainable.
CHALLENGES ON THE ROAD AHEAD
NASA’s Phase I NIAC grant will explore the feasibility of Hy2PASS. Researchers must determine how to integrate the system with aircraft while optimizing flight energy consumption.
Practical applications may present challenges, but if successful, Hy2PASS could redefine aviation. Given Dr. Ansell’s expertise, the project has strong potential to succeed.
A GREENER FUTURE FOR AIR TRAVEL?
If Hy2PASS proves viable, hydrogen-powered planes could revolutionize the aviation industry. Zero-emission air travel may soon become a reality, reducing aviation’s carbon footprint significantly.
NASA’s ongoing research brings hope that the skies of the future will be cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable.
