University of Bath researcher given funding for planes of the future
Dr Xiaoze Pei is trying to work out how to power long haul commercial flights with liquid hydrogen
A researcher at the University of Bath has been given £1.4 million to help develop the world's first hydrogen powered planes.
It's hoped this could bring commercial flights closer to achieving zero emissions, as well as reduce the noise they make.
They're also trying to ensure the liquid hydrogen used for this is produced using renewable energy.
The challenege will be to overcome some of the hurdles that have so far stood in the way of this technology.
The fuel system will have to be strong enough to power an airplane whilst still being light enough to lift into the air.
As well as this, it'll have to pass safety and reliability checks before it can be used on the planes that take people on holiday.
The funding comes from a prestigious five-year Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (RPSRC) Open Fellowship.
The work is also being supported by aircraft manufacturer Airbus, which has a large base at Filton in South Gloucestershire.
Dr Xiaoze Pei, Director of Research Quality in the Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS), received the grant.
She's hoping that this work will be able to revolutionise air travel for a cleaner, greener future.
“I have a vision to achieve net-zero transport, with an emphasis on large-scale electric aircraft.
“On-board electrical power distribution, control and protection remain significant challenges relating to large-scale hydrogen-powered electric aircraft."