Potential of reducing the environmental impact of aviation by using hydrogen Part I: Background, prospects and challenges

Abstract

Abstract The main objective of the paper is to evaluate the potential of reducing the environmental impact of civil subsonic aviation by using hydrogen fuel. The paper is divided into three parts of which this is Part I, where the background, prospects and Challenges of introducing an alternative fuel in aviation are outlined. In Part II the aero engine design when using hydrogen is covered, and in Part III the subjects of optimum cruising altitude and airport implications of introducing liquid hydrogen-fuelled aircraft are raised. Looking at the prospect of alternative fuels, synthetic kerosene produced from biomass turns out to be feasible and offers environmental benefits in the short run, whereas hydrogen seems to be the more attractive alternative in the long run. Powering aero engines and aircraft with hydrogen has been done successfully on a number of occasions in the past. Realising this technology change for a fleet of aircraft poses formidable challenges regarding technical development, energy requirement for producing hydrogen, handling, aircraft design and making liquid hydrogen economically compatible with kerosene.