Blog

At this year’s 3-Space summit, Hyflux CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer will join industry leaders to discuss revolutionary pathways for a low-carbon future. As aviation’s carbon footprint remains a critical challenge, Hyflux is introducing hydrogen propulsion technology powered by superconducting motors—an innovative solution that could transform sustainable aviation beyond current reliance on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Key sessions at 3-Space will explore topics such as breakthrough innovations in climate technology, scaling solutions from seed to global impact, and unlocking capital for purpose-driven businesses. Participants will dive into how technologies like Hyflux’s hydrogen propulsion can set new standards for clean energy, while networking opportunities will connect leaders and investors committed to building a sustainable ecosystem.

Driving the Future of Clean Energy with Hyflux at 3-Space 2024

HyFlux Ltd is pleased to announce the award of the Transportation Research and Innovation Grant (TRIG) to support our systems modeling efforts for hydrogen-electric powertrains. This grant will help HyFlux develop a platform to model and simulate propulsion systems that serve both the maritime and aerospace sectors.

HyFlux Awarded TRIG Grant to Advance Hydrogen-Electric Powertrain Modeling for Marine and Aerospace

HyFlux Ltd, a pioneering company in advanced propulsion technologies, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the Robinson Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, and Wellington UniVentures. This collaboration aims to decarbonise transport, beginning with lightweight aviation motors and propulsion systems, leveraging the potential of cryogenic hydrogen to drive superconducting technologies for sustainable aviation.

HyFlux Partners with Researchers to Develop Zero-emission Aircraft Engine

Airport Energy Hubs‍At the World Economic Forum, Aviation Day, the industry's decarbonisation was discussed, with a focus on hydrogen as a potential solution. Paul Perera emphasized the need for liquid hydrogen, while Airbus stressed the importance of creating an integrated solution combining different technologies. Many in the World Economic Forum's Aviation Day highlighted the need for cross-industry collaboration, and some noted the importance of considering airport size and potential liquid hydrogen demands. The conversation also touched on the challenges and opportunities of decarbonising airports and seaports, as well as the potential for energy hubs in island and mountainous regions. Speakers discussed the importance of preparing for a multi-fuel future and keeping track of various technologies and investments.

World Economic Forum aviation day 2024

Airbus' ZEROe program, set to launch by 2028, explores two hydrogen technologies: liquid hydrogen propulsion and hydrogen fuel cells for electric propulsion. Alongside this, Airbus is developing the Next Generation Single Aisle (NGSA) as a successor to the A320neo, aiming for service entry in the mid-to-late 2030s. These initiatives represent significant steps towards sustainable aviation, aligning with our HyFlux's focus on hydrogen electric propulsion.

HyFlux Take on Airbus' ZEROe and NGSA Programs

Imagine a world where trains levitate, medical diagnoses are more precise, and computers operate at unprecedented speeds. This isn't a scene from a sci-fi movie; it's the real-world application of superconductivity. Defined as the property of zero electrical resistance in certain materials at very low temperatures, superconductivity is not just a fascinating scientific phenomenon; it's a gateway to revolutionary advancementsUnderstanding Superconductivity: Superconductivity was first discovered in 1911 by Heike Kamerlingh Onnes, who observed that mercury lost all electrical resistance at temperatures nearing absolute zero (-273.15°C). This discovery was not just a mere scientific curiosity; it opened the door to a world of possibilities. At its core, superconductivity allows for the free and efficient flow of electricity, which can lead to powerful technological innovations.

Power of Cool - HyFlux takes Sustainable Aviation Forward

HyFlux, as one of the 16 Innovators recognized by the World Economic Forum Uplink and First Movers Coalition, is actively contributing to the aviation industry's transition to net-zero emissions. This recognition stems from the Sustainable Aviation Innovation Challenge, a joint initiative launched by UpLink and the First Movers Coalition. The challenge aims to identify and accelerate innovative startups in the aviation sector, particularly those focusing on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and propulsion solutions. Out of 130 submissions worldwide, HyFlux was selected as one of the Top Innovators by industry partners including Airbus, Breakthrough Energy, United Ventures, ENI, Sustainable Aero Labs, Salesforce, World Energy LLC, and World Economic Forum Judges. HyFlux's groundbreaking propulsion solution utilizes cryogenic motors, offering exceptional aircraft propulsion performance while prioritizing sustainability. Their technology boasts a remarkable four times the power density of current technology. This recognition places HyFlux in a prime position within the UpLink Innovation Ecosystem, connecting them with formal programming, industry partners, and investors through the World Economic Forum. This collaborative environment will enable them to scale up their ventures and contribute significantly to the development and adoption of sustainable aviation solutions, furthering the aviation industry's journey toward net-zero emissions.

HyFlux named by First Movers Coalition and World Economic Forum - Uplink as Innovator winner for Sustainable Aviation in 2024

Aviation needs to develop a little more openness, in terms of the combined CO2 and NonCO2 effects which we are having as we travel. Often touted Aviation is only 2% of the Green House Gas Emissions is a huge understatement, and doesn't take into account the pace the growth in aviation is seeing in regrowing post COVID pandemic grounded many flights, other than Cargo. We will see Aviation if we continue growing without arresting this growth being 12-15% of total emissions including Radiative Forcing effects of persistent contrails, Nitros Oxide (NOx) and some envisage by 2050 if electrification of everything continues will set Aviation in the 35-45% of all Emissions.The last week has been interesting as we consider the

Aviation has a transparency issue

We are HyFlux and our story is that we have been building the future of propulsion, for True Zero Emissions.
Our focus started in 2009 when our founder,
Paul Perera, travelled to Philadelphia, to Wharton Business School, where they met Jeremy Rifkin who’s written books, and consulted on the ‘hydrogen economy’. It was in a lecture room in the University on the 3rd July, where a single conversation with BAE Systems colleagues developed a set of strategic options for the sustainable future of the Aerospace industry. On returning to the UK, we calculated the climate impact of that one Boeing 747 flight which used as much energy, as 500 UK Family homes, and as we searched for the answer to ability to fly that same flight - we considered Battery Electric, and Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered aircraft. Both struggle with the power density of batteries, and the power conversion. We are developing as a True Zero propulsion solution, the use of a Superconducting in the motor and drives, we have been gathered five years evidence of the solution working at high levels of efficiency. We continue to develop our solutions to scale and fly in aircraft which will take to the skies, removing 2000 kg of CO2 per transatlantic flight per passenger.

HyFlux's story developed with the TechX Net Zero Technology

HyFlux our Brand and Story

- Gas turbine-powered planes are highly efficient and reliable, but they produce harmful emissions that contribute to the aviation industry's carbon footprint.
- Fuel cell-powered planes with superconducting motors are highly efficient and produce zero harmful emissions during flight. However, the cost of producing and storing hydrogen is currently high, and the infrastructure required to produce and distribute hydrogen is not yet widely available.
- As technology and infrastructure improve, the cost of operating fuel cell-powered planes with superconducting motors is expected to decrease, making them a promising alternative for the aviation industry in the long term.

Hydrogen vs Kerosene in aviation

The electric motors used to power prototype hydrogen-electric aircraft today are heavy, relatively inefficient and cannot scale to larger regional and single aisle aircraft, thus limiting market penetration. HyFlux's superconducting motors are up to four times lighter and are more efficient thanks to utilising the liquid hydrogen fuel to cool the motor. This solution leads to lighter, more efficient aircraft, with zero greenhouse gas emissions.It was interesting to hear the validation of the need to disrupt aviation propulsion from the largest aircraft Orignial equipment Manufacturers, Airbus and Embraer on the Webinar led by Mark Piling of FlightGlobal, who also invited MTU Aero Engines, Pratt & Whitney.

True Zero Emissions - with a Lighter weight hydrogen electric motor

James McMicking, #ZeroAvia VP Strategy appeared before the Transport Select Committee in the UK Parliament to give evidence to the committee into fuelling the future. James explored the need to support #innovation now and prepare for the adoption of #hydrogen-electric, #zeroemission propulsion technology and infrastructure in tandem with the use of drop-in fuels for existing systems. The committee heard that the goal of zero-emission #aviation is possible by 2050 with the right ambition. As one of the hardest to abate sectors, this should be heartening for all.

UK Zero Emissions Hydrogen Electric Innovation - Parliamentary Select Committee 2nd March

Airbus may make engines for hydrogen-fuelled planes, CEO tells paper Airbus may make it's own its motors for hydrogen fuelled planes.

Airbus Hydrogen Zero Emissions Aircraft Could Disrupt Engine Makers

Jet Zero Council aims to deliver zero emission transatlantic flight within a generation. Through its FlyZero project, the Aerospace Technology Institute has identified green liquid hydrogen can deliver this and more. This is a project for a 'Zero Zero emissions aircraft' working with UK Research & Innovation part of BEIS to investing in hydrogen now will capture share of an emerging market, back British jobs, attract inward investment and meet our climate change commitments.As Katy Milne said at the West of England Aerospace Forum 'Other countries are moving fast on hydrogen aircraft and infrastructure - without action the UK risks being left grounded'.

Jet Zero Council aims to deliver zero emission transatlantic flight within a generation.

🎙🎙#MeetTheStartup from the 2nd Season of the Sustainable Aero Lab: HyFlux! Founded by Paul Perera - MBA BEng(Hons), Rob Bray and based in the 🇬🇧, Fluxart provides a #zeroemissions #powertrain enabled by superconducting motors, cooled by Liquid #Hydrogen, and develops a high-power density (20kw/Kg), for future #cryogenic hydrogen powered #aircraft. The company has already attracted government #funding and engages along the entire development chain related to the use of liquid cryogenic hydrogen for aviation propulsion, from materials testing to the aggregate performance of the entire #propulsionsystem.

Sustainable Aero Lab chooses HyFlux to scale up in Aerospace - Liquid Hydrogen Propulsion Systems

In aviation, hydrogen can be used as a fuel in modified gas turbines. This is of particular interest for large classes of aircraft, but requires the development of hydrogen storage systems that are compatible with aircraft and new combustion chambers. Powering flight with hydrogen fuel cells and electric propulsion systems has so far posed a highly complex technical challenge, but promises to be remarkably quiet, efficient, and emissions-free if successful. The use of liquid synthetic fuels based on hydrogen could also improve the sustainability of flight. In future, they could be deployed not only in aviation, but also anywhere that conventional drive systems cannot easily be replaced with climate-friendly alternatives such as batteries or hydrogen fuel cells.

Flying Testbed in 2025
The propulsion system will be tested on a D-CEFD Dornier 228 research aircraft.
The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR), will be using Dornier 228 research aircraft D-CEFD for the hydrogen fuel cell propulsion technology testing. The testing process will start with a project including the participation of MTU Aero Engines.

The program will require the work of as many as 80 engineers. Its goal is to replace one of the two conventional aircraft engines by 2025, using a 600-kilowatt electric propulsion system powered by an H2 fuel cell. The project intends to have the aircraft flying within four years.

DLR Concepts highlight Hydrogen Potential by 2030

Clean hydrogen is seen as playing a key role in the energy transition. In this briefing we look at whether it could be a solution for the aviation sector.
• Hydrogen is capable of reducing aviation climate impact by 50% to 90%
• A number of challenges remain such as sufficient supply of hydrogen and its safe storage
• A robust legal framework for the handling and refuelling of liquid-hydrogen will be crucial to accelerate the further deployment of green hydrogen in aviation
• With the increasing involvement of the scientific world and explicit European support, the first hydrogen planes could be ready for commercial use within 10 to 15 years

4 Key Areas for development of Zero Emissions Hydrogen Aircraft

Air NZ feels that its domestic network is ideally suited for decarbonisation, as it is characterised by short routes that support early aircraft demonstrations. Moreover, the country’s largely renewable energy grid allows for cost effective infrastructure.It outlines three phases of adoption. The early adoption stage from 2023-25 would see work conducted with electric or hybrid/electric aircraft with 1-9 seats. It notes that aircraft are in development that meet these criteria, and that use cases could involve freight carriage and training.

Air NZ looks to replace turboprops with zero emissions aircraft

We learned in 2021 that Liquid Hydrogen is a key fuel to achieve #ZeroEmissions, this was set out by Airbus #ZeroE and confirmed by Aerospace Technology Institute with #FlyZero. At HyFlux we remain focused two key building blocks from 2022 we continue our work on Thermal Management with #Cyrogenic #Hydrogen and we work to accelerate our motor development for superconducting demonstration within two years having a scalable solution for turboprop replacements.
We look forward to advancing our pace with partners, and accelerating the ambition aligned with the UK Strategy for aerospace propulsion, and the use of hydrogen.
Watch this space for more announcements in 2022 and looking forward to working with you.
#aerospace #strategy #technology

Learning from FlyZero for HyFlux

The aerospace industry has tried creating a hydrogen-fueled airliner before. In the late 1980s, Soviet engineers developed the experimental Tupolev Tu-155, which completed about 100 test flights before the program was canceled during the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Soviet engineers developed the experimental Tupolev Tu-155 with Liquid Hydrogen

Sustainable Aviation Requires alternative fuels with Hydrogen Applications growing. We at Fluxart are working to deliver a sustainable aviation technology building block which we believe sits in the heart of the market addressing climate impact of aviation.

Sustainable Aviation Requires alternative fuels with Hydrogen Applications growing

The road to Net Zero is not a long one; time is fast running out which means decisions need to be made now so that the right planning and development can take place.With our Charity, Enginuity, we remain committed to our core purpose: one engineer can change their world, and ours. Their mission is to make their path to achieving this as smooth as possible.

Net Zero Skills - HyFlux supports the Enginuity Charity

When it comes to fuel and propulsion systems, aerospace engineers are accustomed to dealing with higher temperatures – up to around 1,500˚C for the most advanced jet engines. However, the next generation of electric and hydrogen aircraft pose different materials challenges and temperatures.

Hydrogen Testing for Aviation

Roughly two-thirds of today’s kerosene consumption – which directly correlates with CO2 emissions – comes from flights operated with short- and medium-range aircraft (flights with fewer than 165 PAX and flights with fewer than 250 PAX, respectively). These aircraft account for 70 percent of the global fleet.

Short- and medium-range flights cause two thirds of current aircraft emissions

HyFlux joins a cadre of amazing companies with a focus on growing a Hybrid Hydrogen Electric future for Sustainable Aviation.

Sustainable Aero Labs

As part of its commitment to clean aerospace, Airbus is now adapting and evolving existing #hydrogen storage technology for aviation. Several new research and development facilities across Europe have recently begun work on #liquid hydrogen storage tanks for thier ZEROe concept aircraft.

Liquid Cyrogenic Hydrogen Tanks Crucial R&D for zero-emission flight

Roughly two-thirds of today’s kerosene consumption – which directly correlates with CO2 emissions – comes from flights operated with short- and medium-range aircraft (flights with fewer than 165 PAX and flights with fewer than 250 PAX, respectively)

Hydrogen Sweet Spot for Sustainable Aviation

While much of the discussion about how to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint has focused on the availability of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and when and how electric aircraft may be unshackled from the limits of battery technology, hydrogen has been quietly moving up the future propulsion agenda. However, hydrogen has been gaining momentum for some time in other sectors of transportation, such as road, rail, and marine vehicles, and is increasingly being viewed as a viable longer-term alternative to fossil fuel. Some of the more bullish pioneers in the field are claiming they could have hydrogen-powered aircraft approved for service as soon as 2025 or 2026.

Hydrogen Vs Sustainable Aviation Fuels

We are hiring...

Please let us know if you are interested to join our team