Conceptual design and optimization of a general aviation aircraft with fuel cells and hydrogen

In this paper¹, an aircraft design from scratch and optimization is carried out to investigate the potentials of using liquid hydrogen and fuel cells in general aviation. The focus is set on finding an efficient aircraft configuration that considers all drive train-related components such as the hydrogen tank, fuel cells, and electric motors as well as passenger seats and cargo hold. The paper starts with the definition of the design requirements and specifications. Following, the baseline design of the aircraft in the Suave tool is presented. This includes making extensions to the Suave tool regarding the compatibility of fuel cells and hydrogen energy networks. Eventually, a multidisciplinary design optimization process of selected design variables together with the design constraints is carried out in Suave. Finally, the design is evaluated in terms of performance and emissions by drawing a comparison with conventional general aviation aircraft.