Dynamic Modeling of Integrated Hydrogen Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Gas Turbine Aircraft

This paper aims to advance the understanding of greener technologies suitable for the aviation industry by introducing a dynamic modeling approach for the integration of hydrogen solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and gas turbine (GT) hybrid systems as a power unit in electric aircraft propulsion. Despite the significant potential for emission reduction and improved fuel efficiency, the adoption of the SOFC/GT systems in aviation is impeded by many factors including a lack of understanding of dynamic performance under diverse flight conditions. Through a comprehensive approach that leverages previously developed dynamic modeling software, this paper presents an analysis of the dynamic response and electrochemical characteristics of the system under the varying power demands of a flight. The designed system achieves an efficiency of 71.4% and a power output of 1.29 MW. The methodology also emphasizes the complexities of flight conditions and potential areas for system optimization and improvement. This study, with a focus on the rapid response of the SOFC/GT system operated in a representative Cessna S550 Citation S/II aircraft flight under dynamic conditions, paves the way for the broader adoption of this technology, contributing to the mitigation of the environmental impacts of aviation.