Aerodelft

Sponsorship Aero Delft hydrogen plane

AeroDelft has been partially sponsored by Schwer Fittings for the past two years as they run a specific project to use liquid hydrogen to fly passenger aircraft.

The University from November until December, have conducted the first full-scale gaseous hydrogen powertrain tests. This testing campaign was meant to show initial performance and served as a proof of concept. After initial teething problems and trouble, on the 14th of December 2023, AeroDelft were able to attempt to start the fuel cell. “We are happy to confirm that our powertrain has worked and we spun the propeller on electricity generated by our fuel cell for the first time”. Once this testing is completed the students will move to building the system into the full-scale aircraft.

SF U2 Fittings have been used in the fuel lines of the Aircraft test bench to move gaseous Hydrogen to the Fuel cells. Schwer contribution to the powertrain, specifically the anode loop -- hydrogen side of the fuel cell system, consisted of stainless steel fittings and tubing provided by Schwer. The anode loop has multiple sections, the first being the fuel line: a series of Schwer fittings connect our first pressure regulator (200 -> 10 bar) to the hydrogen cylinder (200 bar). Then, a series of hoses and fittings (elbows, t-fittings and straight) with several tubes in between lead to the second pressure regulator (10 -> 2 bar). After the second pressure regulator, it enters the system and will be passing through a number of components before going to the fuel cell.

In addition to the sponsorship of Aerodelft, in the past months Schwer Fittings has received enquiries from French and German companies all associated with hydrogen projects for commercial Aircrafts, and initial orders from a UK university for a commercial aircarft. Here the product range has been extended to threaded fittings and stainless steel convoluted hoses, with fire protectiopn sleeves. Customer evaluation is ongoing to confirm the specifications and suitablity of the Schwer Fittings offer.

Commercial Airlines are looking for ways to remove the Carbon Footprint related to Aircraft emissions, two solutions being investigated are SAF Sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen, Boeing are tending towards SAF, (a Bio fuel derived from plants, animals, or waste ) which will be commercially available in volume before hydrogen solutions are developed, SAF reduces the Carbon Footprint, where as Hydrogen (preferred by Airbus) will virtually eliminated the carbon footprint, however the development time is significantly longer.

The development cycle for such aeroplanes is about 10 years and contributes in a small but important way to a better environment for our children's children.