Rolls-Royce has announced the commencement of a groundbreaking series of hydrogen research tests. Partnering with easyJet, both companies are committed to spearheading the development of hydrogen combustion engine technology designed to power various aircraft, particularly those in the narrowbody market segment, from the mid-2030s onwards.

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The current phase of tests focuses on validating aerospace cryogenic liquid hydrogen pump systems and is taking place at Rolls-Royce's cutting-edge facility in Solihull, UK. Tackling a crucial engineering challenge, the tests aim to demonstrate the feasibility of pressurizing low-pressure liquid hydrogen, chilled to temperatures below -250 degrees Celsius, for combustion within an engine.

Rolls-Royce has identified three primary technology challenges in the journey to integrate hydrogen into aviation: fuel combustion, fuel delivery, and fuel systems integration with the engine. All these elements must be thoroughly confirmed to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Earlier this year, Rolls-Royce achieved a significant milestone by conducting tests on a full annular combustor of a Pearl 700 engine at DLR in Cologne, running on 100 percent hydrogen. This groundbreaking accomplishment verified that hydrogen can be combusted under conditions representing maximum take-off thrust.

The current Solihull tests mark the initiation of understanding the fuel delivery component. Initial tests have concentrated on chilling the pump and comprehending its behavior at cryogenic conditions, with further testing scheduled to resume early next year.

Simon Burr, Group Director of Engineering, Technology, and Safety at Rolls-Royce, expressed optimism, stating, "We are continuing to make good progress on our hydrogen journey working alongside easyJet. Hydrogen is an opportunity that can be part of aviation's energy transition, and we are committed to fully understanding its potential."

Jane Ashton, Director of Sustainability at easyJet, highlighted the importance of hydrogen in decarbonizing short-haul aviation operations and welcomed the progress in Rolls-Royce's testing program. She stated, "We look forward to working with Rolls-Royce to develop these new technologies, which have the potential to create a true step-change in the aviation industry."

Last year, easyJet and Rolls-Royce achieved another world first by successfully running a modern aero engine, an AE2100, on 100 percent green hydrogen at Boscombe Down, UK.

The ongoing test program is a significant step towards the long-term goal of conducting a full gas hydrogen ground test on a Pearl engine. Subsequently, the ambition is to progress to a full ground test on a Pearl engine using liquid hydrogen, with both easyJet and Rolls-Royce sharing the vision of ultimately taking this transformative technology to flight.

The pump research tests are financially supported by the UK Government's Aerospace Technology Institute, while the broader hydrogen test program receives funding from easyJet.

(With inputs from IANS)