Analysis and Prospects of Key Technologies for Hydrogen-Electric Regional Aircraft

As hydrogen fuel can realize zero carbon emissions in full life cycle, developing hydrogen-powered aviation is a well-accepted promising alternative option for the aviation industry to achieve the net zero goal in 2050. Hydrogen-powered aviation can choose two different power solutions: hydrogen fuel cells with electric motor (“hydrogen-electric”) or hydrogen fueled turbine engine. Due to high levels of technology maturity and low R&D costs, hydrogen-electric aircraft has developed rapidly, and become the best choice for realizing the rapid application of hydrogen-powered regional aircraft. Worldwidely, there are already two regional aircraft using hydrogen-electric power solutions that have successfully made their maiden flights. The development of hydrogen-electric aircraft cannot be separated from the development of key technologies such as hydrogen storage systems, hydrogen fuel cells, and electric motors. This paper mainly provides an overview and analysis of key technologies research progress of hydrogen-electric aircraft, and finally puts forward expectations for the future development of hydrogen-electric aircraft.