Airbus UpNext and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (Toshiba) will collaborate and exchange mutual experiences on the superconductive technologiesfor future hydrogen-powered aircraft.
In the challenge of decarbonization of the aviation industry, hydrogen-powered propulsion systems are one of the promising solutions to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Superconductive technologies offer a unique advantage for these aircraft, using liquid hydrogen at -253 ° C as a fuel, but also for effective cooling of electrical systems, which enables the electrical elements to transmit power almost without electric resistance. In doing so, the cryogenic technology that hydrogen enables could enable almost unobstructed power transfer within the aircraft electric systems, significantly improving their energy efficiency and performance.
“Partnering with Toshiba presents a unique opportunity to push beyond the limitations of today’s partial superconducting and conventional electrical motors. Through this collaboration, we aim to deliver a breakthrough technology that could unlock new design possibilities, in particular for Airbus’ future hydrogen-powered aircraft. This partnership represents a natural and essential step in advancing superconducting motor technology to meet the needs of the aerospace industry, ” said Grzegorz Ombach, Airbus Senior Vice President and Head of Disruptive R&T.
“Toshiba’s expertise in superconducting technology for high current flow, motor drive technology for precise current control, and advanced rotating machinery technology for stable, high-speed operation, forms a strong foundation for this partnership. We both recognize the tremendous potential of superconducting technologies in shaping the future of aircraft and driving the decarbonization of the aviation industry. We are confident that our collaboration with Airbus will play a key role in advancing next-generation technologies for the aerospace sector,” said Tsutomu Takeuchi, Toshiba’s Corporate Officer, responsible for the Power Systems business, and Director of Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation.
The partners aim to co-develop a two-megawatt superconducting motor.
Over the past 10 years, Airbus has made efforts to derisk superconducting technologies. Recently, Airbus UpNext launched Cryoprop, a demonstrator to test a two-megawatt-class superconducting electric propulsion system. Toshiba has been conducting research and development of superconducting technology applications for nearly half a century and has released its own two-megawatt-class superconductivity motor prototype for mobility applications in June 2022.