MT Aerospace has successfully tested the hydrogen storage and supply system (Hydrogen Fuel System, HFS) developed on the basis of aviation-specific requirements, as part of the overall propulsion system with a fuel cell, for use in commercial aircraft. This system has the core task of supplying the hydrogen stored in liquid form to a fuel cell in a gaseous aggregate state. The HFS is therefore a central element for the provision of future emission-free propulsion systems with fuel cells.

MT Aerospace's HFS works in a self-regulating manner when supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell and is therefore particularly efficient and safe. This has recently been demonstrated in a system test under cryogenic conditions. The simulation of different operating conditions has shown that the tank system, sensors, piping, evaporator and heat exchanger function as planned in the test campaign with liquid nitrogen (LN2): In real use, liquid hydrogen is later stored in a double-walled, vacuum-insulated tank and an evaporator in the tank triggers a phase change when required. This generates the pressure required to transport the gaseous hydrogen through the system. The evaporator is operated with excess heat, e.g. from a fuel cell, which is transferred from the heat exchangers to the hydrogen by means of coolants. All peripheral devices that are exposed to temperatures below freezing are in an evacuated system capsule to prevent ice formation and parasitic heat flows.

The HFS from MT Aerospace is part of a nearly zero-emission propulsion system being developed by MTU Aero Engines in Munich. This cooperation started in 2021 with the aim of full system validation in 2026.

“We are proud to contribute a relevant part of the propulsion system with the development of the hydrogen supply system, which has the potential to change aviation sustainably,” says Dr. Günther Schullerer, Director Engineering at MT Aerospace AG. “The successful test of our HFS is a significant step towards reducing global emissions and also underlines MT Aerospace's expertise in the hydrogen technology segment.”