In the context of the need to reduce the carbon footprint, research into developing alternative propulsion technologies is also emerging in aviation. Hydrogen is emerging as a promising fuel for use in thermocouples for power generation as well as a suitable alternative to direct combustion and replacement of fossil fuels. These trends can be observed both in smaller transport aircraft such as ZeroAvia and in large manufacturers such as Airbus with the ZEROe project. The introduction of such aircraft places demands not only on the aircraft themselves, but also on airport equipment and security, where great demands are placed on technical solutions to ensure smooth and safe storage and refuelling. A fundamental change, such as the introduction of hydrogen, all its handling and management in the airport environment, requires research not only in terms of technical solutions, but also organizational and legislative changes, for a successful transition to emission-free flying.
In its research, the Institute of Aerospace Engineering is engaged in the systematic development of hydrogen infrastructure options at the level of
-
the development of technologies applicable to the storage and distribution of H2
-
possibilities of direct H2 production at airports, and its use for H2 needs outside airports
-
emergency procedures
-
installation of fuel systems in aircraft