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Potential of reducing the environmental impact of aviation by usinghydrogen Part III: Optimum cruising altitude and airportimplications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

F. Haglind ,
A. Hasselrot  and
R. Singh
F. Haglind
Affiliation:
FOI, Swedish Defence Research Agency, Stockholm, Sweden
A. Hasselrot
Affiliation:
FOI, Swedish Defence Research Agency, Stockholm, Sweden
R. Singh
Affiliation:
School of Engineering, Cranfield University, Cranfield, UK
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Abstract

The main objective of the paper is to evaluate the potential of reducing theenvironmental impact of civil subsonic aviation by using hydrogen fuel. Thepaper is divided into three parts of which this is Part III. In Part I thebackground, prospects and challenges of introducing an alternative fuel inaviation were outlined. The aero engine design when using hydrogen was coveredin Part II. In this paper, Part III, the subjects of optimum cruising altitudeand airport implications of introducing liquid hydrogen-fuelled aircraft areraised.

For minimum global warming, the results of a preliminary analysis associated withlarge uncertainties suggest that cryoplanes should cruise at an altitude ofabout 2-3km below where conventional aircraft cruise today. Ignoring the costimplications, from an airport infrastructure point of view, it seems feasible tochange to hydrogen use. With respect to the availability of energy, it would bereasonable to change from kerosene to liquid hydrogen as fuel for all civilaviation refuelling in Sweden.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 110 , Issue 1110 , August 2006 , pp. 553 - 565
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2006 

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