"aerokurier Innovation Award 2024": THWS hydrogen-powered aircraft was awarded the first prize at aviation fair AERO 2024
The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) presented their fuel cell-powered light aircraft Taifun 17 H₂ at the aviation fair “AERO 2024“ in Friedrichshafen. They were awarded the first prize of the “aerokurier Innovation Award 2024” in the aviation category. “At last year’s AERO, we were already awarded the ‘Sustainable Aviation Award 2023’,” says Professor Dr. Johannes Paulus, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and head of the research project. “This year, we were selected for the readers’ poll by the editorial board of the specialist journal aerokurier based on the development of our hydrogen-powered aircraft. In the readers’ poll, well-established manufacturers and suppliers from the aviation industry compete in several fields. Thus, winning the first prize is a particular honour for us.”
From 2021 to 2023 an initial version of the fuel cell drive train for aircrafts was developed in the THWS Hydrogen Technology Lab as part of the research project “HyFly”, which was funded by the German Federal Government with over 1.1 million euros. From 2022, THWS students started to integrate a fuel cell drive train into a touring motor glider. The THWS team was in charge of advancement of the drive system, the integration of the system into the aircraft, and the development of other details up to testing with the touring motor glider Taifun 17 H₂.
The hydrogen system of the two-seated aircraft consists of a high-pressure hydrogen tank and the hydrogen PEMFC with an electric capacity of 50 kW. The additional drive train consists of a 6-kWh high power Li-Ion battery as back-up battery, an electric charge controller, an electric engine, a self-developed system control, and an electrically adjustable propeller. The Taifun 17 H₂ has a wingspan of 17 metres, a maximum flight mass of 820 kg, and can reach a travel speed of 205 km/h. Through the use of solar energy for electrolysis, the required hydrogen can be produced right at the hangar, emission-free and cost-effective.
“This marked the development of an implementable and economical drive system for an airworthy touring motor glider based on green hydrogen technology,” Professor Dr. Paulus explains. After the fair, more tests on the ground are scheduled, in order to obtain the preliminary permit to fly from the German Aviation Agency.
Hydrogen Technology at THWS
Since winter semester 2021, THWS has been the only German higher education institution to offer a bachelor's degree programme in hydrogen technology. The degree programme covers the hydrogen value chain from climate-neutral production to hydrogen use in industrial production, for heat production, or mobility. Intensive support of students, high practice-orientation as well as numerous internships and projects characterise the degree programme.
On Friday, 26 April, the “Tag der Wissenschaft” (Science Day) will take place in Schweinfurt. Interested parties are invited to see the Taifun 17 H₂ and the THWS Hydrogen Lab. Students and professors are looking forward to personal exchange.
About AERO Friedrichshafen
At this year’s AERO Friedrichshafen, more than 650 exhibitors from 35 nations, more than 500 journalists, and around 35,000 visitors from around the world shared in the latest developments from the field. Gliders and microlight aircrafts, single- and twin-engined piston aircrafts, electric aircrafts, drones, helicopters, business jets, avionics (all electric and electronic devices on board of an aircraft), and maintenance.
Contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Prof. Dr. Johannes Paulus
Ignaz-Schön-Str. 11
97421 Schweinfurt
+49 9721 940-8637
Press contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Angela Kreipl
Münzstr. 12
97070 Würzburg
+49 931 3511-8354
