Funding secured by HyFlux and AMRC for development of game-changing airplane cooling technology using advancements in clean energy.
Boeing has launched a new Engineering Center at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Research Park, marking a significant step in the advancement of aerospace technology. One of the key projects underway at this center is the SUPERCOOL project, a collaboration between HyFlux and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).
The SUPERCOOL project aims to create a cryogenic cooling system for hydrogen-electric aircraft. This system is crucial for maintaining the motor's optimum operating temperature, which could be as low as minus 240°C. The project's goal is to enable lightweight, high-efficiency cooling required for superconducting motor operation in zero-emission propulsion systems.
HyFlux, co-founded and led by CEO Paul, will oversee project delivery, system architecture, and commercial strategy. The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme is funding £1.1m towards the work, with the remaining amount financed by the lead partner.
The Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS), part of the University of Bath, will provide test infrastructure for the cooling system. IAAPS will draw on its globally-recognised liquid hydrogen (LH2) test facility to complete ground-based validation of the cryogenic cooling system.
The AMRC will support the engineering validation and integration of the SUPERCOOL project. This collaboration will help in the design, manufacture, and testing of the cryogenic cooling system.
Elsewhere, AIR, a leading OEM for midsize eVTOLs, has received FAA Experimental Airworthiness Certification for its latest US-based eVTOL prototype. This certification is a key step in AIR's mission to bring electric aviation to everyday life.
In the realm of space travel, Orbex is preparing to deliver orbital launch services from the UK next year. Orbex has successfully completed its first full simulation of the Prime vehicle launch, marking a significant technical milestone.
The SUPERCOOL project and these advancements in aerospace technology have strong support from local and national stakeholders, including MP Sadik Ali Hassan. These collaborative efforts demonstrate a collective commitment to reducing emissions and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the fields of aviation and space travel.
Meanwhile, Woodward Inc, a global leader in energy control solutions, announced plans to build a precision manufacturing facility in Greer, South Carolina. This new facility will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing advancements in aerospace technology and the transition towards more sustainable forms of transportation.
