Within a few years, hydrogen-powered flights are likely to 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 sources include solar power, wind power, hydro power, and biomass.
The studies show that hydrogen-powered flights could account for 97 percent of all flights within the Nordic region by 2045. To make this a reality, existing aircraft models will need to be adapted for hydrogen power or replaced with entirely new models. This includes a fuel tank that can hold enough fuel and withstand the extremely cold hydrogen (-250 degrees) and a heat exchanger that can heat the fuel to a suitable temperature.
We expect to 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-powered flights over long distances are also possible, but then the aircraft body would need to be radically rebuilt. One of the alternatives would be to design the plane to resemble old-fashioned airships, zeppelins. Another alternative would mean that the aircraft body becomes more futuristic and resembles a spacecraft.
But as we see it, hydrogen is primarily intended for medium- and short-distance flights, says Grönstedt.
He points out that, contrary to what many believe, short- and medium-distance flights account for the majority of aviation's greenhouse gas emissions. Long-distance flights only account for 30-40 percent of emissions. Hydrogen would therefore potentially be able to provide significant environmental benefits.
Fear?
One thing that speaks against a hydrogen investment in long-distance flights is that the aircraft would look so different, which might make many people afraid. This problem is avoided on shorter distances.
If the planes look like ordinary planes, it will probably be okay, says Grönstedt.
He believes that long-distance flights will instead use so-called e-jet fuel, not perfect but better from an emissions perspective than regular jet fuel.
The question is then how people will perceive hydrogen-powered flights. Will they be afraid that the planes will explode like zeppelins sometimes did?
No, no airline will want to invest in an uncertain system. If nothing happens, people will get used to it pretty quickly, says Grönstedt.
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 hydro power can be converted and stored as hydrogen. Today, hydrogen is mainly used in industry, but in the future, the transport sector may become the most important user. Hydrogen is expected to be used for boats, aircraft, cars, trucks, and trains.
Source: EU
