Climate Impact of Hydrogen Aviation
Research on the variations of surface temperature change caused by hydrogen and kerosene combustion aircraft
M.A. Saez Ortuño (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
F. Yin – Mentor (TU Delft - Aircraft Noise and Climate Effects)
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Abstract
Concerned about rapidly rising temperatures, international institutions, nations, and companies worldwide examine how to reduce emissions in all economic sectors. Inside the aerospace sector, it is believed that hydrogen technology has the potential to be the best asset to fight global warming. This thesis aims to create and use a methodology to analyze climate implications and uncertainties of a powered hydrogen aircraft. Results are conclusive. Hydrogen aviation reduces surface temperature change by 67\% compared to kerosene aviation by eliminating carbon dioxide emissions, reducing contrail climate impact, and lessening nitrogen oxide emissions. When analyzing uncertainties related to hydrogen emissions and climate effects, the study has demonstrated that even the worst-case situation for hydrogen aircraft is advantageous compared to kerosene aviation.