An aircraft propulsion unit comprising a fuel cell 4 for providing electrical power. An electric motor 2 drives a propeller and/or a fan 1. A jet propulsion sub-unit provides extra thrust. Preferably, hydrogen tank 5 supplies hydrogen to a fuel injector 11 of the sub-unit and to the fuel cell 4. The electric motor 2 may provide power to the propeller 1 to generate thrust during cruise. A clutch 6 may additionally enable the electric motor 2 to drive a compressor 7 of the sub-unit for combustion of hydrogen in combustion chamber 9 to produce a hydrogen powered jet at exhaust nozzle 10, providing the extra thrust during take-off and/or climb. The propeller’s wash may shroud the high-speed exhaust and thereby minimise noise. Driving the compressor 7 using electric motor 2 may obviate the need for a relatively heavy turbine, and thereby reduce weight.
Aircraft fuel cell propulsion unit with hybrid jet boost
2023-05-24
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch