Clean air cooling technology advancement achieved through collaboration between HyFlux and AMRC, funded by ATI, revolutionizing clean aviation.
In a significant stride towards sustainable aerospace, HyFlux, a clean-tech company, and the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) have joined forces to develop a groundbreaking cryogenic cooling system for hydrogen-electric aircraft. This collaboration is part of a £1.5m project named SUPERCOOL, funded by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme and other stakeholders.
The project seeks to design, manufacture, and test a cryogenic cooling system essential for maintaining the optimum operating temperature for the motor and power electronics. These temperatures could be as low as minus 240°C. This system is crucial for the efficient operation of hydrogen-electric aircraft, which promise zero emissions and a significant reduction in carbon footprint.
Brookhouse Aerospace has invested over £500,000 in additional machinery to extend its engineering capabilities, a move that underscores its commitment to the project. The Swansea-based company will oversee project delivery, system architecture, and commercial strategy.
The AMRC, located at the Advanced Manufacturing Park, Wallis Way, Catcliffe, S60 5TZ, United Kingdom, will provide engineering validation and integration support. The Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS), part of the University of Bath, will offer test infrastructure.
The University of Cambridge is also cooperating with HyFlux on this project, bringing its expertise in clean-tech and cryogenic cooling systems to the table. HyFlux's collaboration with these institutions strengthens its growing portfolio of propulsion technologies and supports its broader roadmap to decarbonise both aerospace and maritime transport through scalable hydrogen-electric systems.
The IAAPS will utilize its globally-recognised liquid hydrogen (LH2) test facility to complete ground-based validation of the cryogenic cooling system. This step is crucial in ensuring the system's efficiency and reliability before its implementation in aircraft.
Meanwhile, NCC has adopted Dassault Systèmes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform on the cloud and extended its use to other innovation centres within the UK High Value Manufacturing Catapult network. This move is expected to streamline the design and development process, contributing to the efficiency of the SUPERCOOL project.
In related news, TE Connectivity is helping to accelerate innovations and inspire groundbreaking designs for electric aircraft with higher power and voltage solutions. The company's involvement in the electrification of aircraft is a testament to the growing interest in sustainable aviation.
Lockheed Martin, on the other hand, is upgrading the Republic of Korea Air Force's F-16 Block 52 flight simulators to mirror the advanced capabilities of its modernised F-16 Viper (F-16V) aircraft. This move is aimed at enhancing the training experience for pilots and preparing them for the next generation of aircraft technology.
Lastly, AIR, a leading OEM for midsize eVTOLs, has received FAA Experimental Airworthiness Certification for its latest US-based eVTOL prototype. This certification marks a significant milestone for the company and the eVTOL industry as a whole, paving the way for the commercialisation of these innovative aircraft.
The SUPERCOOL project is a testament to the collective efforts of stakeholders in driving sustainable aerospace technology. With strong support from local and national bodies, including MP Sadik AI Hassan, who believes investment in future fuels like hydrogen is needed to place the UK at the forefront of sustainable aerospace, the project is poised to make a significant impact in the industry.
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