Impact of Liquid-Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Electric Propulsion on Aircraft Configuration and Integration

Abstract

This study considers the aircraft configuration impacts of a liquid-hydrogen fuel-cell electric propulsion system when integrated into a single-aisle, transport-class aircraft having comparable performance capability of a Boeing 737-800. This study demonstrates that, given estimated developments in future components and subsystem technologies for a 2050 entry into service date, the design of an aircraft with a liquid-hydrogen fuel-cell–based propulsion system can be feasibly achieved while still meeting mission-level performance characteristics consistent with modern commercial aircraft throughout the anticipated lifetime of the aircraft. Key technologies that enable this are the purposeful integration of fuel cell thermal management, independent inlet compression to pressurize the air input to the fuel cells, and leveraging distributed electric propulsion advantages. Exploration into the impact of fuel cell power loss due to degradation is also presented. The results show a promising configuration of a liquid-hydrogen fuel-cell–based commercial aircraft to serve as a feasible replacement of narrow-body transport aircraft to help meet climate goals set for the aviation industry.