Utilisation and Application
Application and use of the Power-to-X products: hydrogen, methane, methanol or synthetic fuels
Investigation of motor use, injection in turbines, electrochemical reconversion and material aspects (e.g. use in the chemical and process industries).
Reducing greenhouse gases in the mobility sector is one of the most important challenges to stop climate change. Besides battery technology, hydrogen-fueled vehicles are the focus of research and development. Especially for long-distance commercial vehicles, the hydrogen fuel cell is an ideal solution. For this purpose, a highly efficient hydrogen tank is required. The storage of cryogenic compressed hydrogen gas (CcH2) is a promising storage technology and enables high storage densities.
However, storage technologies with gaseous hydrogen can also be used advantageously for the regional, decentralized production and distribution of hydrogen. A particular focus here is on so-called multi-element gas carriers (MEGC). MEGCs are transportable hydrogen storage containers in which hydrogen is stored in several pressure vessels at elevated pressure and ambient temperatures.
Also in aviation, the use of green hydrogen as a propulsion system for larger commercial aircraft offers significant potential for emission reduction. Alongside the development of new propulsion systems and aircraft concepts, establishing a corresponding hydrogen infrastructure is crucial. Creating long-term perspectives and defining transition pathways within the framework of a global energy transition are central to this endeavor. This requires a comprehensive examination of the technical, economic, and ecological aspects of the supply chain, which is addressed in the institute’s research.
Website: Research at APT
Contact: Sebastian Rehfeldt
Component and System Modeling of Hydrogen Supply Networks for Air Transport
The use of green hydrogen as a propulsion system for larger commercially used aircraft is a promising alternative to enable more environmentally friendly aviation. However, it is essential that hydrogen is produced from renewable energy sources to make a contribution to climate protection. In addition to the development of new propulsion systems and aircraft concepts, the establishment of a corresponding hydrogen infrastructure is one of the biggest challenges in order to enable competitive operating costs for the new aircraft.
The joint project HyNEAT (Hydrogen Supply Networks' Evolution for Air Transport) is developing concepts for global hydrogen supply infrastructures for use in hydrogen-powered aircraft. The aim is to present long-term perspectives and possible transition paths in line with a global energy transition and to derive recommendations for action for politics and industry.
To enable techno-economic investigations and optimizations of hydrogen supply networks, the Institute of Plant and Process Technology considers the components of such hydrogen supply chains. These include hydrogen liquefaction plants, storage tanks, compressors, and pumps, among others. Through dynamic component and overall system models, the entire hydrogen supply chain from production to aircraft will be described both thermodynamically and techno-economically. Derived from the component and overall system modeling, concrete business models will also be considered.
Type: Collaborative project: HyNEAT (Hydrogen Supply Networks‘ Evolution for Air Transport)
Funding: German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Funding code: 03SF0670F
Runtime: 01.04.2023 - 31.03.2026
Website: HyNEAT
Contact: Laura Stops
Further information: HyNEAT Website
Development of a cryogenic hydrogen gas storage for application in long-distance commercial vehicles
The development and optimization of a cryogenic hydrogen tank system in application for trucks is the focus of the CryoTRUCK research project. The scientific work is to set up appropriate thermodynamic models and simulation models for heat transfer and cold storage. Based on this, the processes of refueling and fuel withdrawal will be simulated dynamically. Experimental investigations on cold storage systems are also planned with the project partners. Both the modelling and the experimental validation are the basic building blocks in order to integrate the CcH2 storage system into vehicles.
Type: Collaborative project: CryoTRUCK
Funding: German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV)
Funding code: 03B10411E
Runtime: 01.01.2022 - 31.05.2025
Website: CryoTRUCK
Contact: Johannes Hamacher, Alexander Stary, Daniel Siebe, Laura Stops
Development and demonstration of two technologies for the refueling of aircrafts with liquid hydrogen: Direct refueling and tank swap technology
The objective of the project is to develop two refueling technologies and demonstrate them at airports in Milan and Paris. The direct refueling of an aircraft with liquid hydrogen and a tank exchange technology in which an empty tank is replaced by a full tank are being investigated. The Institute of Plant and Process Technology is working on the development and modeling of a direct refueling system based on a liquid hydrogen centrifugal in cooperation with Linde plc. The required pump is being developed and tested in a test facility. In addition, a dynamic model for the loading and unloading processes of liquid hydrogen is being developed and used to optimize the overall system.
Type: EU project ALRIGH2T
Funding: European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA)
Funding code: 101138105
Runtime: 01.01.2024 - 01.01.2028
Website: ALRIGH2T
Contact: Fabian Primke
Chair of Technical Electrochemistry (TEC)
Fuel cell solutions for the utilization of green hydrogen to generate electrical energy
Research at the Chair of Technical Electrochemistry regarding the usage of PtX products focusses on proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells to generate electrical energy. Topics include catalyst synthesis and catalyst layer design based on platinum group metals (PGM) as well as the development and characterization of PGM-free catalyst materials. Furthermore, transport processes in catalyst and gas diffusion layers are investigated and optimized. Performance and durability testing with in situ and ex situ diagnostics is performed, to gain a deeper understanding of degradation mechanisms.
Website: Fuel cell research at TEC
Contact: Matthias Kornherr
Chair of Sustainable Mobile Drivetrains (NMA)
Economical, efficient and low-emission use of synthetic fuels for locomotion and power generation
Internal Combustion Engines can be used to apply synthetic fuels in propulsion and generation of electric energy in a cost- and energy-efficient way and with lowest pollutant emissions. The modification of engine concepts for new fuels will further improve efficiency and exhaust after-treatment significantly compared to conventional fuels. In various applications combustion engines are increasingly combined with electric drives. This makes it necessary to develop hybrid systems which can fulfill the ambitious requirements of a future sustainable energy economy.
Website: Research at NMA
Contact: Dr.-Ing. Martin Härtl
Chair of Turbomachinery and Flight Propulsion (LTF)
Combustion characteristics of sustainable fuels in helicopter engines
Research on hydrogen and its derivatives at LTF is focused on experimental investigations of various sustainable fuels on an Allison 250 C20B helicopter engine with respect to performance and emissions.
Website: Research at LTF
Contact: Alexander Rabl
Small Aero Engines - Performance and Emissions using Drop-In Fuels
Alternative fuels can be used to achieve a rapid reduction in the climate impact of aviation, In addition to electric aircraft engines or the use of hydrogen as a fuel.
In the project, funded by Munich Aerospace e.V., the behavior of a small gas turbine with regard to performance, engine health, and the resulting emissions will be investigated using alternative fuels. The following questions are to be examined in more detail:
- What is the fuel-specific impact on engine operability?
- What changes in engine performance are seen in steady-state and transient operation?
- How do different drop-in fuels, sustainable aviation fuels, or eFuels affect emissions?
Regarding engine emissions, both gas phase and particulate emissions are considered.
The experiments will take place on the institute's own Allison 250 C20B helicopter engine. This turboshaft engine is very compact, and the individual components are easily accessible, facilitating adjustments and operation. This makes it possible to integrate new measurement technology easily. With regard to the fuel system, it is possible to switch quickly between regular Jet A-1 feed and alternative fuel feed.
More details about the Allison gas turbine test stand can be found here.
Funding: Munich Aerospace e.V.
Runtime: 08/2021-07/2024
Contact: Alexander Rabl
Additional Information: ASAF at LTF
Renewable alternatives to conventional kerosene are increasingly becoming the focus of aviation for ecological and economic reasons. In this diverse field, the "Alternative Fuels " research at Bauhaus Luftfahrt focuses on the following key questions:
- What quantities can be produced worldwide in a sustainable manner in the future?
- Which technical production pathways are available for a long-term supply?
- And how should these pathways be evaluated in terms of their technical, environmental, and socioeconomic potential?
Technological options with long-term future potential play a special in the considerations carried out by Bauhaus Luftfahrt. Important research topics in the field of alternative fuels are the production of advanced biofuels with raw materials such as waste and residual materials, as well as non-biogenic fuels, e.g. power-to-liquid (PtL), solar-thermochemical fuels (sun-to-liquid - StL) and hydrogen.
Website: Research at BH Luft