Propulsion System Design
Florian.Winter[at]bauhaus-luftfahrt.net
+49 (0) 89-30 74-84934
The HYLENA (HYdrogen eLectrical Engine Novel Architecture) project aims to reduce aviation's climate impact by introducing a novel aircraft engine architecture: a solid oxide fuel cell - gas turbine (SOFC-GT) hybrid.
The HYLENA concept combines high temperature solid oxide fuel cells and a gas turbine in a beneficial way. Hence, it is not only used the electrical power produced by the fuel cell but also the generated heat to support the engine. This combination leads to higher overall efficiency of the engine (compared to state-of-the-art turbofan engines) while being carbon neutral since hydrogen is used as fuel.
Therefore, the following tasks are worked on in the project:
• Experimental investigation on SOFC cell technologies to identify the most promising one(s) for aeronautical application
• Studies and tests of geometrically optimized SOFC stacks for nacelle integration
• Thermodynamic as well as conceptual design of the HYLENA concept
• Assessment of the HYLENA concept aircraft integrated performance and climate impact
• Technical assessment and planning of a SOFC-GT test rig
Bauhaus Luftfahrt is leading the conceptual design studies of the HYLENA concept. To this end, Bauhaus Luftfahrt is investigating various SOFC-gas turbine concept architectures and evaluating them in terms of performance and integration. Bauhaus Luftfahrt is also working on the SOFC technology scouting. In addition, a digital mock-up of the HYLENA concept will be created, based on which a physical model of the SOFC-gas turbine hybrid will be produced.
The project is co-funded by the research and innovation program Horizon Europe under GA n°101137583.