Rolls-Royce begins groundbreaking hydrogen research tests

Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY) has announced the start of a ground-breaking new series of hydrogen research tests.

Rolls-Royce and its partner easyJet are at the forefront of developing hydrogen combustion engine technology that will power a range of aircraft, including those in the narrow-body market segment, from the mid-2030s.

The latest series of tests to validate cryogenic liquid hydrogen pumping systems for aerospace applications has begun at Rolls-Royce’s Solihull facility in the UK.

The tests will focus on the significant engineering challenge of taking low-pressure liquid hydrogen, cooling and pressurizing it below -250°C, and then pumping it into the engine to be burned.

In its quest to facilitate the use of hydrogen in aviation, Rolls-Royce identified three technological challenges: fuel combustion, fuel distribution and integration of fuel systems with the engine. All elements need to be verified as working safely.

Last September, Rolls-Royce broke new ground by proving that fuel could be burned under conditions simulating maximum takeoff thrust, in tests conducted on the full circular combustion chamber of the Pearl 700 engine running on 100% hydrogen at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Cologne. .

Tests carried out in Solihull show that the fuel distribution element is now beginning to be understood. Initial tests focus on cooling the pump and examining its behavior in cryogenic conditions. Other tests are planned to continue early next year.

Rolls-Royce Engineering, Technology and Safety Group Director Simon Burr said: “We continue to make significant progress on our hydrogen journey by collaborating with easyJet. “Hydrogen offers an opportunity to contribute to aviation’s energy transition, and we are determined to fully realize this potential.”

easyJet Sustainability Director Jane Ashton said: “Hydrogen will play a key role in helping to decarbonise short-haul aviation activities, so we welcome the progress being made on Rolls-Royce’s testing programme. “We look forward to working with Rolls-Royce to develop these new technologies that have the potential to create significant change in the aviation industry.”

Last year, easyJet and Rolls-Royce achieved a world first by successfully running a modern aircraft engine, the AE2100, with 100% green hydrogen at Boscombe Down in the UK.

The test program supports Rolls-Royce and easyJet’s longer-term goal of an all-hydrogen ground test of the Pearl engine.

This development will subsequently pave the way for extensive ground testing of a Pearl engine using liquid hydrogen. Both easyJet and Rolls-Royce have a common goal of integrating technology into flight.

The pump research tests are financially supported by the UK government’s Aerospace Technology Institute, while the wider hydrogen testing program is funded by easyJet.