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Refueling of LH2 Aircraft—Assessment of Turnaround Procedures and Aircraft Design Implication

Author

Listed:
  • Jonas Mangold

    (Institute of Aircraft Design, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Daniel Silberhorn

    (Institute of System Architectures in Aeronautics, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 21129 Hamburg, Germany
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Nicolas Moebs

    (Institute of Aircraft Design, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Niclas Dzikus

    (Institute of System Architectures in Aeronautics, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 21129 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Julian Hoelzen

    (Institute of Electric Power Systems, Leibniz University Hanover, 30167 Hanover, Germany)

  • Thomas Zill

    (Institute of System Architectures in Aeronautics, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 21129 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Andreas Strohmayer

    (Institute of Aircraft Design, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

Abstract

Green liquid hydrogen (LH2) could play an essential role as a zero-carbon aircraft fuel to reach long-term sustainable aviation. Excluding challenges such as electrolysis, transportation and use of renewable energy in setting up hydrogen (H 2 ) fuel infrastructure, this paper investigates the interface between refueling systems and aircraft, and the impacts on fuel distribution at the airport. Furthermore, it provides an overview of key technology design decisions for LH2 refueling procedures and their effects on the turnaround times as well as on aircraft design. Based on a comparison to Jet A-1 refueling, new LH2 refueling procedures are described and evaluated. Process steps under consideration are connecting/disconnecting, purging, chill-down, and refueling. The actual refueling flow of LH2 is limited to a simplified Reynolds term of v · d = 2.35 m 2 /s. A mass flow rate of 20 kg/s is reached with an inner hose diameter of 152.4 mm. The previous and subsequent processes (without refueling) require 9 min with purging and 6 min without purging. For the assessment of impacts on LH2 aircraft operation, process changes on the level of ground support equipment are compared to current procedures with Jet A-1. The technical challenges at the airport for refueling trucks as well as pipeline systems and dispensers are presented. In addition to the technological solutions, explosion protection as applicable safety regulations are analyzed, and the overall refueling process is validated. The thermodynamic properties of LH2 as a real, compressible fluid are considered to derive implications for airport-side infrastructure. The advantages and disadvantages of a subcooled liquid are evaluated, and cost impacts are elaborated. Behind the airport storage tank, LH2 must be cooled to at least 19K to prevent two-phase phenomena and a mass flow reduction during distribution. Implications on LH2 aircraft design are investigated by understanding the thermodynamic properties, including calculation methods for the aircraft tank volume, and problems such as cavitation and two-phase flows. In conclusion, the work presented shows that LH2 refueling procedure is feasible, compliant with the applicable explosion protection standards and hence does not impact the turnaround procedure. A turnaround time comparison shows that refueling with LH2 in most cases takes less time than with Jet A-1. The turnaround at the airport can be performed by a fuel truck or a pipeline dispenser system without generating direct losses, i.e., venting to the atmosphere.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonas Mangold & Daniel Silberhorn & Nicolas Moebs & Niclas Dzikus & Julian Hoelzen & Thomas Zill & Andreas Strohmayer, 2022. "Refueling of LH2 Aircraft—Assessment of Turnaround Procedures and Aircraft Design Implication," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-41, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:7:p:2475-:d:781243
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christopher Winnefeld & Thomas Kadyk & Boris Bensmann & Ulrike Krewer & Richard Hanke-Rauschenbach, 2018. "Modelling and Designing Cryogenic Hydrogen Tanks for Future Aircraft Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-23, January.
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    1. Daehoon Kang & Sungho Yun & Bo-kyong Kim & Jaewon Kim & Gildong Kim & Hyunbae Lee & Sangyeol Choi, 2022. "Numerical Investigation of the Initial Charging Process of the Liquid Hydrogen Tank for Vehicles," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-16, December.
    2. Yue Gu & Mirjam Wiedemann & Tim Ryley & Mary E. Johnson & Michael John Evans, 2023. "Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft at Airports: A Review of the Infrastructure Requirements and Planning Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-14, November.
    3. Babuder, Diego & Lapko, Yulia & Trucco, Paolo & Taghavi, Ray, 2024. "Impact of emerging sustainable aircraft technologies on the existing operating ecosystem," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).

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