Within a few years, hydrogen flight will probably become a reality in Sweden. This means that it will be possible to fly fossil-free over short and medium distances, according to new studies at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg.
Hydrogen can be produced from both fossil-free and fossil energy sources. Fossil-free can include solar power, wind power, hydropower and biomass.
The studies show that hydrogen-powered aviation could account for 97 percent of all air travel within the Nordics by 2045. For that to become a reality, the existing aircraft models must either be adapted for hydrogen propulsion or be replaced with completely new models. It includes a fuel tank that holds enough fuel and is able to keep the very cold hydrogen gas (minus 250 degrees) and also a heat exchanger that can heat the fuel to the appropriate temperature.
We expect that we could start with this type of flight at the end of this decade, around 2028, and then gradually expand it, says Tomas Grönstedt, professor at Chalmers.
Zeppelins
Hydrogen flights over long distances are also possible, but then the fuselage must be radically rebuilt. One of the options means that the plane looks a bit like the airships of old, zeppelins. Another option would mean that the fuselage becomes more futuristic and resembles a spaceship.
But as we see it, hydrogen gas is primarily intended for medium and short-haul flights, says Grönstedt.
He points out that, contrary to popular belief, short- and medium-haul flights account for a majority of aviation’s emissions of greenhouse gases. Long-haul flights only account for 30–40 percent of emissions. In other words, hydrogen could potentially bring great environmental benefits.
Hydrogen flight is primarily intended for short and medium distances. But several aircraft manufacturers are now working on models that could be used for long flights. The model in the picture is one such.
Hydrogen flight is primarily intended for short and medium distances. But several aircraft manufacturers are now working on models that could be used for long flights. The model in the picture is one such.
Photo: Airbus/TT
Fear?
Something that speaks against a hydrogen investment in long-distance flights is that the airplanes will be so much different in appearance, which would perhaps make many people afraid. This problem is avoided on shorter distances.
If the airplanes look like ordinary airplanes, it will probably go well, says Grönstedt.
He believes that long-haul flights will instead use so-called e-jet fuel, not perfect but better from an emission point of view than regular jet fuel.
The question then is how people will perceive the hydrogen flight. Will one be afraid of the airplanes exploding as the zeppelins sometimes did?
Well, no airline will want to bet on an unsafe system. If nothing happens, you get used to it pretty quickly, says Grönstedt.
Facts: Hydrogen
Hydrogen can be produced in different ways. For example, biogas can be converted into hydrogen in a special process. Electricity from solar power, wind power and hydropower can be converted and stored as hydrogen gas. Today, hydrogen is primarily used in industry, but in the future the transport sector will perhaps be the most important user. Hydrogen is expected to be used both for boats, airplanes, cars, trucks and trains.
Source: EU