Knowledge of fundamental materials behaviour in cryogenic hydrogen environments is essential for the development of liquid hydrogen technologies. This will be critical in transport, not least liquid-hydrogen-powered flight, where the need for greater understanding will lead to increased demand for material testing capability.
This is one of the findings from the UK's Aerospace Technology Institute’s Hydrogen Capability Network (HCN) report which sets out the cryogenic and hydrogen materials testing capabilities across UK-based commercial and research organisations. The HCN was established during 2023 and is backed by the UK government’s Department of Business and Trade.
Liquid hydrogen is one good option for reducing the use of fossil-carbon based fuels for air travel. Making liquid hydrogen for flight a viable technology, and helping to support the move towards net-zero, requires the development of materials that will allow for its safe use. There is a requirement for facilities where research and testing of the new materials can be carried out.
The report, UK Cryogenic & Hydrogen Materials Testing Landscape, highlights that while the UK has strong research capability in many of the areas related to liquid-hydrogen and aircraft, on- aircraft cryogenic hydrogen fuel storage and distribution systems are outliers.
“Understanding materials performance in cryogenic hydrogen environments is key when designing hydrogen infrastructure and hydrogen powered vehicles,” said Dr Caroline Goddard, Royce Hydrogen Accelerator analyst. “This report is vital to increasing awareness around the UK’s testing capability and delivering opportunities for hydrogen storage transport,” Goddard added. The Royce Hydrogen Accelerator is focused on tackling the materials challenges that are constraining the hydrogen supply chain.
The report, which is a collaboration between the HCN, the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative, the National Physical Laboratory, and the Henry Royce Institute, notes that increased testing capability will be required to address the shortfall in the existing testing environment as well as a need for further UK-based capacity for future material evaluation programmes.
“Supporting the ecosystem to accelerate the development of fundamental knowledge will enhance the UK’s ability to contribute to the development of […] zero carbon aircraft. This aligns directly with both the [UK] Government’s net-zero policy objectives and the objectives of the HCN,” the report says.
The HCN has said that areas requiring particular focus to enable the development of technology in liquid hydrogen powered flight include fundamental material behaviour at cryogenic temperatures; hydrogen thermofluidic behaviour; and cryogenic hydrogen health and safety protocols modelling and testing.
HCN Programme Director Laura Cuss said: "The UK has a strong history in fuel storage and systems for conventional aircraft which underlines the importance of advancing capability in hydrogen to maintain and grow market share."
The report adds that the Henry Royce Institute has set out recommendations under the National Materials Innovation Strategy to highlight opportunities in materials for hydrogen storage, transport and end use. The recommendations called for R&D programmes to focus on the UK’s essential needs for energy, transport, aerospace and more specific defence requirements.
Further reading:
• US funds $62 million in hydrogen projects - as experts call for clear UK roadmap
• South Africa champions hydrogen mobility as UK and Germany partner to accelerate
• New catalyst holds promise for clean hydrogen production
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