Session: 03-04 Hybrid-Electric and Ammonia-Based Propulsion Concepts for Sustainable Aviation

Submission Number: 178390

Performance Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis of a Hybrid Fuel Cell Aircraft Propulsion System 

    Amid the global push for carbon neutrality, hydrogen-powered aircraft propulsion has garnered significant attention due to its potential for zero carbon emissions. The electrification of aircraft propulsion systems represents a critical direction and advanced stage in the evolution of aviation electrification, serving as a vital pathway for the industry's green transition. Consequently, hybrid-electric aircraft, powered by a combination of hydrogen, fuel cells, and battery systems, are regarded as one of the most promising avenues for achieving sustainable aviation.This paper adopts an object-oriented programming approach to develop a performance simulation platform for a hybrid hydrogen-aircraft propulsion system. Characteristic component models, including the fuel cell, battery, motor, generator, and electrical distribution system, are developed individually. For conventional engine components, the properties of hydrogen fuel are obtained using Chemical Equilibrium with Applications (CEA) software, and component performance maps are scaled based on the similarity theory. Model fidelity is verified against published data or commercial software.Utilizing this platform, a performance model of the hydrogen aircraft engine was developed based on the engine operating equations and subjected to sensitivity analysis. This provided deep insights into the impact of key parameters—including fuel cell efficiency, hydrogen-to-air mass ratio, motor power density, fuel cell power density, and battery energy density—on engine performance, and led to the extraction of cycle parameter design guidelines.Furthermore, the off-design performance of the electric power system designs and FC is calculated to decide if the design is within acceptable limits under various conditions, and capture the effect of mission requirements and flight conditions on the energy consumption of the overall aircraft system.This study provides  guidance for the design and optimization of hydrogen-powered aircraft propulsion systems and lays a technical foundation for the future development of their energy management systems.

Presenting Author: Wenxin Guo Northwestern Polytechnical University

Presenting Author Biography: Wenxin Guo is a Doctoral Researcher at the School of Power and Energy, Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), China. Her research specializes in the overall performance calculation of hydrogen-fueled aero-engines, focusing on system-level modeling and simulation.

Authors:

Wenxin Guo Northwestern Polytechnical University
Xiaobo Zhang Northwestern Polytechnical University
Wang Hao Northwestern Polytechnical University
Zhanxue Wang Northwestern Polytechnical University