Airbus, Toshiba partner to develop superconducting tech for hydrogen aircraft

Airbus UpNext and Toshiba Energy Systems will collaborate to share expertise in superconducting technologies aimed at developing hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Airbus has been advancing superconducting technologies for high-power electric propulsion for several years, achieving a milestone last year with the successful power-on of a 500 kW integrated cryogenic propulsion system.

The firms believe Hydrogen-powered aircraft hold great potential for achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Superconducting technologies, cooled by liquid hydrogen at -253°C, can enhance the efficiency of electric propulsion systems.

They highlight that cryogenic technology boosts energy transmission, improving aircraft performance and sustainability. Together, they aim to co-develop a two-megawatt superconducting motor.

“Partnering with Toshiba presents a unique opportunity to push beyond the limitations of today’s partial superconducting and conventional electrical motors. Through this collaboration, we aim to deliver a breakthrough technology that could unlock new design possibilities, in particular for Airbus’ future hydrogen-powered aircraft,” said Grzegorz Ombach, Airbus Senior Vice President and Head of Disruptive R&T, in a statement .

Next-gen aircraft

The partnership aims to leverage Toshiba’s extensive expertise in superconducting technology for high current flow, precise motor drive technology, and advanced rotating machinery for stable, high-speed operation.

Together, they aim to unlock the potential of superconducting systems in transforming aircraft design, particularly for hydrogen-powered propulsion. By integrating these, they seek to enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and accelerate the aviation industry’s shift towards sustainable flight.

Both companies recognize the critical role superconducting technology will play in driving decarbonization efforts. According to them, the collaboration marks a pivotal step in advancing next-generation aerospace technologies.

In May, Airbus introduced a new technology demonstrator to advance superconducting technologies for electric propulsion in future hydrogen-powered aircraft.

The new demonstrator, Cyroprop, will incorporate and develop a two-megawatt superconducting electric propulsion system.

Developed by Airbus teams in Toulouse, France, and Ottobrunn, Germany, the electric propulsion system will employ liquid hydrogen to cool it using a helium recirculation loop.

ZEROe project innovation

Airbus has been experimenting with hydrogen for a while, and by 2035, it hopes to launch the first commercial aircraft fueled by hydrogen worldwide.

The business is working on the ZEROe project to bring the hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft to market. This project uses two ideas—hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen combustion—to accomplish the same goal.

In the case of hydrogen combustion, hydrogen is used to power gas turbines using modified fuel injectors and fuel systems, much like it is used to power modern airplanes.

The second technique, hydrogen fuel cells, produces electrical energy that drives electric motors that rotate a fan or propeller. The propulsion system of an airplane currently in operation is very different from this one, which is all electric.

It is currently developing four hydrogen-powered aircraft ideas. A turbofan can accommodate up to 200 passengers and travel 2,000 nautical miles. The slightly smaller turboprop version can accommodate 100 passengers and cover up to 1,000 nautical miles.

The Blended-Wing Body (BWB), an ultra-futuristic idea, will have the same carrying capacity and range as the Turbofan. The range and capacity of the totally electrical idea, the last option, will be identical to those of the Turboprop.

Meanwhile, Toshiba, with its extensive experience in research and development in superconducting technology, unveiled its own two-megawatt-class superconducting motor prototype for mobility applications in June 2022.