{"id":54811,"date":"2025-01-24T09:56:04","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T09:56:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=54811"},"modified":"2025-01-26T19:24:50","modified_gmt":"2025-01-26T19:24:50","slug":"overleaf-project-advances-hydrogen-storage-for-sustainable-aviation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/overleaf-project-advances-hydrogen-storage-for-sustainable-aviation\/54811\/","title":{"rendered":"Overleaf project advances hydrogen storage for sustainable aviation"},"content":{"rendered":"
With aviation contributing 3.8% of global CO\u2082 emissions and forecasts predicting a tripling of these emissions over the next 25 years, the urgency to transition to zero-emission flight has never been greater.<\/p>\n
The European Green Deal\u2019s<\/a> ambitious target of cutting transport emissions by 90% by 2050 has propelled hydrogen-powered aviation to the forefront of innovation.<\/p>\n Central to this shift is the Overleaf project<\/a>, a groundbreaking EU-funded initiative tackling one of the biggest obstacles to hydrogen-powered flight: hydrogen storage.<\/p>\n The Overleaf project, coordinated by Aciturri, is revolutionising the future of hydrogen-powered aviation by addressing the critical challenge of hydrogen storage.<\/p>\n Liquid hydrogen, while lightweight and energy-efficient, requires storage at cryogenic temperatures of -253\u00b0C in specialised tanks.<\/p>\n Overleaf\u2019s mission is to develop advanced hydrogen storage solutions that increase capacity while minimising weight and costs. By doing so, the project aims to make hydrogen a practical and accessible fuel for aviation<\/a>, supporting Europe\u2019s 2050 climate goals.<\/p>\n At the core of Overleaf\u2019s innovation is a pioneering tank design tailored to meet the unique demands of aviation.<\/p>\n To withstand the extreme conditions required for liquid hydrogen storage, Overleaf\u2019s team has developed new manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing and automated fibre placement.<\/p>\n These processes enable the use of lightweight, high-strength materials that maintain structural integrity even at cryogenic temperatures.<\/p>\n Collaborating with leading institutions like TU Delft University and Universitat de Girona, the project has introduced advanced mechanical analysis techniques to optimise tank geometry and material composition.<\/p>\n This ensures that the tanks can safely store larger volumes of hydrogen without compromising weight or efficiency \u2013 key factors for sustainable aviation.<\/p>\n Safety is paramount in hydrogen storage, and Overleaf has made significant strides in addressing the risks of liquid hydrogen leakage.<\/p>\n One major focus is the development of sensors capable of detecting leaks in real-time. TU Delft\u2019s research team is creating cutting-edge sensors to prevent efficiency losses and enhance passenger safety, a critical step toward making hydrogen-powered aircraft<\/a> commercially viable.<\/p>\n Additionally, the project employs innovative inspection techniques, such as micro-computerised X-ray tomography, to identify cracks or potential leak points in tank walls.<\/p>\n These advancements are crucial to ensuring that hydrogen storage systems meet the rigorous safety standards required for aviation.<\/p>\n The innovations developed through Overleaf have implications beyond aviation. The advanced materials and manufacturing techniques used in hydrogen storage tanks could transform other sectors, including rail transportation and telecommunications.<\/p>\n For instance, sensors designed to operate under extreme conditions could benefit industries that rely on high-performance materials, while the carbon fibre manufacturing processes have potential applications in telecommunications infrastructure.<\/p>\n The Overleaf project exemplifies Europe\u2019s ambition to lead the global shift toward sustainable aviation. Hydrogen-powered flight represents a pivotal opportunity for Europe to drive innovation while maintaining its leadership in the aviation sector.<\/p>\n However, the success of hydrogen-powered aviation depends on robust support from policymakers and industry stakeholders.<\/p>\nThe Overleaf project: Innovating hydrogen storage<\/h3>\n
Cutting-edge tank design for hydrogen storage<\/h3>\n
Enhancing safety with hydrogen leak detection<\/h3>\n
Applications beyond aviation<\/h3>\n
Europe\u2019s leadership in sustainable aviation<\/h3>\n