The funding will go towards developing a cryogenic cooling system for hydrogen-electric aircraft
HyFlux, a clean tech company, is collaborating with the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to invent a cryogenic cooling system for hydrogen-electric aircraft, creating a solution for the future of sustainable aviation
HyFlux will lead the £1.5m project, named SuperCool, to enable lightweight, efficient cooling needed for superconducting motor operation in zero-emission propulsion systems.
HyFlux will oversee project delivery, system architecture, and commercial strategy. The University of Sheffield's AMRC will support the engineering validation and integration, and the Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS), part of the University of Bath, will supply the test infrastructure to qualify the performance of the cooling system under realistic hydrogen conditions.
The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme is funding £1.1m towards the project; the lead partner finances the remaining amount.
Paul Perera, chief executive officer and co-founder of HyFlux, said, “This project marks a critical step forward in realising our vision for zero-emission propulsion. By bringing together cutting-edge IP from Victoria University of Wellington and world-class engineering in the UK, we’re creating a powerful innovation platform for clean aviation.”
James Hunt, project lead for the University of Sheffield AMRC, said, "We’ve been working with the team at HyFlux for a number of months seeking to address some of the challenges around propulsion systems for future aircraft, and this funding from the ATI provides the validation that the technology is a credible route to decarbonising aircraft. The team that Paul has assembled is quite formidable, and we look forward to contributing to the AMRC’s capability in design, simulation and manufacturing expertise.”
To achieve zero-emission flight across multiple segments of aviation requires a range of technology solutions, including one based on superconducting electrical motors, such as the one HyFlux has proposed.
A key challenge in such a system is maintaining the motor and power electronics at the optimum operating temperature, which may be as low as -240°C. SuperCool aims to design, manufacture and test the cryogenic cooling system essential to maintaining the temperature.
HyFlux and the AMRC will collaborate to develop innovative designs for cooling system components, including the heat exchanger. Computational fluid dynamics will be used to simulate the performance, ensuring the system is as efficient as possible.
The project will utilise the IAAPS liquid hydrogen test facility to complete ground-based validation of the cryogenic cooling system, which will be instrumental in de-risking the technology for future flight demonstrations.
IAAPS research director, Sam Akehurst, said, “We're proud to be working alongside HyFlux on this high-impact initiative. SUPERCOOL exemplifies how UK-led partnerships can translate scientific research into commercially viable solutions for global net-zero aviation.”
The project also has support from local and national stakeholders. MP Sadik AI Hassan has shown enthusiasm for the project and its potential to place the UK at the forefront of sustainable aerospace.
Hassan said, "I firmly believe investment in future fuels like Hydrogen is needed now and at pace so we can reap the benefits of a greener future. It is great to see companies like Hyflux, led by North Somerset resident Paul, pushing UK innovation and establishing our place as a world leader."
