Integrated Zero-Emission Aviation (IZEA) using a Robust Hybrid Architecture (IZEA)

The proposed project is an academic-industry collaboration focused on achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions from commercial aviation by 2050. Avoidance of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and minimization of Nitric Oxide (NOx) emissions and contrails inspires novel hybrid hydrogen-electric propulsion architectures. In particular, our approach considers hybrid electric power generation via a combination of turboelectric generators and fuel cells using hydrogen with either ambient air or concentrated oxygen. Minimization of NOx emission, efficiency augmentation, and the need to accommodate high-power mission segments drive consideration of Liquid Oxygen (LO2) storage for use during the takeoff and climb phases of flight. Cryogens enable strategic use of superconductors to increase the power density of the turboelectric generators and power distribution system, and the presence of multiple temperature zones from 20 to 400 K offers unprecedented opportunities to increase efficiency via novel thermal management strategies employing thermal flow control.

The project will establish design requirements for component technologies via system simulations using a realistic >100-passenger short-range aircraft with a 3000 nm mission profile as a scalable, hybrid wing-body distributed-propulsion platform. In particular, fuel cell, power electronics, motors, superconducting power transmission, cryogenic, and aircraft systems technologies will be advanced to meet the zero-emission target. A flexible testbed operating at liquid hydrogen temperatures will be constructed that leverages existing facilities in hardware-in-the-loop demonstrations to obtain validation data for system integration models, multi-disciplinary design analysis and optimization, and evaluation of trade-offs. The overall global warming potential of the entire fleet based on the scalable aircraft configuration will be evaluated. Ultimately, a refined understanding of viable pathways toward zero-emission for the aviation industry will emerge. University and industry experts in electric power, energy storage/conversion, propulsion, cryogenics, superconductivity, thermal management, motors, power electronics and distribution, and aircraft systems with an extensive collaborative history and unmatched capabilities and facilities are teamed in this effort.

The project goals and broader impacts can be summarized as:

• Figure out how to use liquid hydrogen as fuel
  • Burning hydrogen to produce electricity has water vapor as exhaust.
  • Solving challenges related to safety, engineering, electrical, thermal, infrastructure, and societal acceptance helps aviation.
• Increase power and efficiency without increasing weight
  • Liquid hydrogen is very cold (cryogenic), which enables using superconductors to greatly increase power density.
  • Fuel cells and electric motors provide cruise thrust instead of heavy batteries and turbofans.

The project tasks contemplate certain components or connection to components that have broader impact on the science of sustainable energy:

• Exploration of novel electrolysis for graywater and seawater. Prof. Bruce Locke in the Dept. of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering of Florida Agrigultural and Mechanical University and Florida State University (FAMU-FSU) has ongoing research addressing plasma-assisted electrolysis. Team members at the University of Central Florida (UCF) conduct research into seawater electrolysis, which creates further opportunities for multi-institution benefit, as well as opportunities to support the next generation of faculty.
• Increased hydrogen liquefaction efficiency using magnetocaloric refrigeration. The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and the National High Magnetic Filed Laboratory (NHMFL) are collaborating with Dr. John Barclay’s team at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to explore magnetocaloric refrigeration for hydrogen. Hydrogen is the most difficult molecule to liquefy, requiring about 1/3 of its 33.3 kW-h / kg of energy. Development of novel regenerator materials opens possibilities for thermodynamic cycles with figures of merit up to 0.6, compared with ~0.35 for cycles based on the compression and expansion of a working gas, by virtue of large entropy contained in magnetic spins. Investigation of new regenerator materials overlaps with elements of the NHMFL user program, especially in quantum topological materials where several “colossal” magnetocaloric effects are known. A key additional requirement is a superconducting magnet capable of ~6 T field, which creates opportunities for technology partnerships between the NHMFL, PNNL, magnet manufacturers such as Cryomagnetics (Knoxville, TN), hydrogen hubs, and other stakeholders.
• Hydrogen tank design and zero boiloff challenges. Public acceptance of liquid hydrogen comes with challenges to overcome perceptions of safety. Recent advances in combining tank design with refrigeration to achieve zero boiloff have been published by our team’s safety advisor, Dr. James Fesmire, who developed this technology during 38 years at NASA (Space Coast). Applications using LH2 fuel could compel tank designs to evolve from the generally spherical shapes presently used, which requires continued research into balancing thermal losses and refrigeration.
• Advanced fuel cells. Researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering’s High Performance Materials Institute are exploring nanomaterials for energy applications including fuel cells and supercapacitors. The project could catalyze multi-university research extending from team partner Prof. JP Zheng at The University at Buffalo.
• Resilient infrastructure. Researchers at the FAMU-FSU Resilient Infrastructure and Disaster Recovery Center envision a portfolio of activities to deploy hydrogen-fueled microgrids in the aftermath of hurricanes and serve rural communities. The project could serve as an important demonstration at small scale for community leaders and disaster relief teams.

The project has already stimulated potential partnerships with companies associated with hydrogen hubs and other activities:

• Duke Energy and NextERA Energy (who own Florida Power & Light) – About 95% of Florida’s electricity is fueled by natural gas. The project will contribute to understanding of mixed-fuel and all-hydrogen generation in power plants.
• Air Liquide – Florida is deploying solar farms in units of approximately 75 MW, which is capable of 30 ton per day (tpd) production of GH2. For safety reasons, the company plans to liquefy hydrogen before delivery to point of use. The project will facilitate workforce training in handling hydrogen.
• Primoris – The company plans to deploy solar farms and interconnections with pipelines. The project will contribute to understanding of interconnections and component options.
• Siemens Energy USA – Siemens aims to deploy a variety of products for the electric grid, including fuel cells and turboelectric generators. The project, being situated among faculty in the Center for Advanced Power Systems, could lead to a broader platform for testing and demonstrations.
• Raytheon – The company has many active areas in electrolysis, liquefaction, turboelectric generation, and fuel cells. The project could spawn a simulation bed for systems.
• The City of Tallahassee – Tallahassee operates its own electricity generation plants and grid. These operations could greatly benefit from increased storage such as hydrogen to use off-peak generation capacity more efficiently. Lessons learned from the project will be directly applicable to utility applications at initially 10 MW and later 100 MW scale.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.