Conceptual Design of Fuel Cell Commuter Aircraft
A study into the performance and viability of CS-23 category transport aircraft utilising hydrogen fuel cell propulsion
M. Zupanič (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
Fabrizio Oliviero – Mentor (TU Delft - Flight Performance and Propulsion)
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Abstract
This research project investigated the potential benefits of using hybrid hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains in commuter aircraft certified under the EASA CS-23 category to reduce the aviation industry's environmental impact. The study used an in-house aircraft design synthesis software to model conventional and fuel cell aircraft, including a sensitivity analysis. The fuel cell aircraft had a higher take-off mass, but almost equal mission energy use. Fuel cell aircraft brought a 76-98% reduction in global warming potential when using green hydrogen. The energy purchase costs were higher for fuel cell aircraft but equalized when emission allowance costs for the mid-term future were factored in. Overall, fuel cell powertrains have potential in reducing aviation's environmental impact, but further research is needed.