Airbus announced on Wednesday a collaboration between its subsidiary Airbus UpNext and the energy arm of Toshiba to carry out research on superconductivity, as part of its project for a hydrogen-powered plane. Airbus announced in 2020 that it was working on the development of an aircraft that would burn hydrogen directly in its engine, thus emitting no CO2, but only water vapor. This project called “ZERO” pour “zero emissions”.
In its press release on Wednesday, the aircraft manufacturer announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Airbus UpNext and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation, “the energetic arm” de Toshiba, “will cooperate and pool experiences on superconductivity technologies for the future hydrogen aircraft”. Toshiba and Airbus aim to develop a two-megawatt superconducting engine.
A phenomenon of superconductivity is observed when a material cooled to a very low temperature acquires the capacity to perfectly conduct an electric current, without resistance and without loss of energy. “Superconducting technologies offer a unique advantage for these aircraft, using liquid hydrogen at -253 degrees as fuel but also to effectively cool electric propulsion systems”indicates the press release.
“In the quest to decarbonize the aviation industry, hydrogen-powered aircraft are one of the promising solutions to achieve the goal of net zero emissions by 2050”highlights Airbus. The partnership with Toshiba “presents a unique opportunity to push the limits of current superconducting and conventional electric motors”. “We aim to develop revolutionary technology that could unlock new design possibilities, in particular for Airbus’ future hydrogen aircraft”declares Grzegorz Ombach, research and development manager within the group, quoted in the press release.
