LANSDALE, Pa.—The aviation sector is increasingly focusing on the use of green hydrogen (H2) generated by using renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, according to Greene Tweed.
Interest in the fuel, it said, is being driven by studies showing hydrogen can supply up to three times the energy than what jet fuel offers on a mass basis.
However, hydrogen brings environmental challenges to storing and transporting it, both on the ground and on the aircraft, the company noted in an online article.
Researchers and engineers are exploring advanced materials that can support new aircraft design and operations, airport infrastructure, and fuel supply chain.
Among the main challenges is permeation, particularly as hydrogen is an exceptionally light, low-density gas, which can penetrate any type of polymer materials and metals.
When combined with high pressure or pressure cycling applications, hydrogen permeation can generate rapid gas decompression (RGD) issues.