ZeroAvia, which is developing hydrogen-electric powertrains for commercial aviation, has signed a deal to support a South Korean nuclear research institute in the development and testing of composite liquid hydrogen storage systems for aircraft.
Under the agreement with the Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), ZeroAvia will advise on the design of the storage systems while embarking on a multi-year testing project at its liquid hydrogen test facility at Cotswold Airport in the UK.
The Liquid Hydrogen Test Centre was purpose-built to support aircraft and component liquid hydrogen testing. It features a specially modified shelter that protects equipment from the elements while enabling safe leak risk mitigation.
The two organizations will work together on performance and safety testing through several stages of design, covering individual components through to full storage systems. The program will culminate in a full ground test campaign.
John Gallagher, head of hydrogen management systems at ZeroAvia, said, “The team and facility we have built at ZeroAvia represents a unique capability globally for performing a vast array of safe and comprehensive tests of liquid hydrogen systems, from key components to full storage systems, and across a variety of sectors and applications.”
