RTX's Pratt & Whitney to demonstrate hydrogen-fueled turboprop technology under Canadian INSAT program
Pratt & Whitney Canada will demonstrate hydrogen combustion technology on a PW127XT regional turboprop engine through the Hydrogen Advanced Design Engine Study (HyADES) project, supported by Canada's Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT). The project, in collaboration with Next Hydrogen Solutions, will initially focus on fuel nozzle and combustor rig testing, with future phases targeting full engine ground testing. The PW127XT engine offers over 3% better fuel efficiency, 40% improved time on wing, and 20% reduced maintenance costs compared to previous models. Additionally, a second INSAT project named TEAME will explore advanced materials for hot section components to improve thermal efficiency and reduce emissions.
Pratt & Whitney Canada dimostrerà la tecnologia di combustione a idrogeno su un motore turboprop PW127XT attraverso il progetto Hydrogen Advanced Design Engine Study (HyADES), sostenuto dall'Iniziativa canadese per la tecnologia aeronautica sostenibile (INSAT). Il progetto, in collaborazione con Next Hydrogen Solutions, si concentrerà inizialmente sul collaudo degli ugelli del combustibile e del banco di prova del combustore, con fasi future che mirano a testare l'intero motore a terra. Il motore PW127XT offre oltre il 3% di efficienza in più, un miglioramento del 40% nel tempo di utilizzo e una riduzione dei costi di manutenzione del 20% rispetto ai modelli precedenti. Inoltre, un secondo progetto INSAT denominato TEAME esplorerà materiali avanzati per i componenti della sezione calda, al fine di migliorare l'efficienza termica e ridurre le emissioni.
Pratt & Whitney Canada demostrará la tecnología de combustión de hidrógeno en un motor turbopropulsor PW127XT a través del proyecto Hydrogen Advanced Design Engine Study (HyADES), apoyado por la Iniciativa de Canadá para la Tecnología de Aviación Sostenible (INSAT). El proyecto, en colaboración con Next Hydrogen Solutions, se centrará inicialmente en las pruebas de boquillas de combustible y bancos de prueba de combustores, con fases futuras que buscarán realizar pruebas completas del motor en tierra. El motor PW127XT ofrece más del 3% de eficiencia de combustible, un 40% de mejora en el tiempo de uso y una reducción del 20% en costos de mantenimiento en comparación con modelos anteriores. Además, un segundo proyecto INSAT llamado TEAME explorará materiales avanzados para componentes de la sección caliente para mejorar la eficiencia térmica y reducir las emisiones.
프랫 앤트 위트니 캐나다는 캐나다의 지속 가능한 항공 기술 이니셔티브(INSAT)의 지원을 받는 수소 고급 설계 엔진 연구 프로젝트(HyADES)를 통해 PW127XT 지역 터보프롭 엔진에서 수소 연소 기술을 시연할 예정입니다. 이 프로젝트는 Next Hydrogen Solutions와 협력하여 연료 노즐 및 연소기 시험을 처음으로 집중하고, 향후 단계에서 전체 엔진 지상 시험을 목표로 할 것입니다. PW127XT 엔진은 이전 모델에 비해 연료 효율성이 3% 이상 향상되며, 비행 시간은 40% 개선되고, 유지 관리 비용은 20% 감소합니다. 또한 TEAME이라는 두 번째 INSAT 프로젝트는 고온 부품의 고급 재료를 탐구하여 열 효율성을 개선하고 배기가스를 줄이는 연구를 진행합니다.
Pratt & Whitney Canada va démontrer une technologie de combustion à hydrogène sur un moteur turboprop PW127XT dans le cadre du projet Hydrogen Advanced Design Engine Study (HyADES), soutenu par l'Initiative canadienne pour la technologie aéronautique durable (INSAT). Le projet, en collaboration avec Next Hydrogen Solutions, se concentrera d'abord sur les tests de buses de carburant et de bancs d'essai de chambre de combustion, avec des phases futures visant à tester le moteur complet au sol. Le moteur PW127XT offre plus de 3 % d'efficacité énergétique en plus, 40 % de temps de vol amélioré et 20 % de réduction des coûts de maintenance par rapport aux modèles précédents. De plus, un second projet INSAT nommé TEAME explorera des matériaux avancés pour les composants de la section chaude afin d'améliorer l'efficacité thermique et de réduire les émissions.
Pratt & Whitney Canada wird die Wasserstoffverbrennungstechnologie an einem PW127XT Regional-Turboprop-Motor im Rahmen des Hydrogen Advanced Design Engine Study (HyADES)-Projekts demonstrieren, das von der kanadischen Initiative für nachhaltige Luftfahrttechnologie (INSAT) unterstützt wird. Das Projekt, in Zusammenarbeit mit Next Hydrogen Solutions, wird sich zunächst auf die Prüfung von Kraftstoffdüsen und Brennkammerprüfständen konzentrieren, während zukünftige Phasen vollständige Bodentests des Motors anstreben. Der PW127XT-Motor bietet eine über 3% bessere Kraftstoffeffizienz, 40% verbesserte Einsatzzeit und 20% reduzierte Wartungskosten im Vergleich zu vorherigen Modellen. Darüber hinaus wird ein zweites INSAT-Projekt mit dem Namen TEAME fortschrittliche Materialien für Komponenten im heißen Bereich untersuchen, um die thermische Effizienz zu verbessern und die Emissionen zu reduzieren.
- PW127XT engine demonstrates 3% better fuel efficiency
- 40% improved time on wing performance
- 20% reduced maintenance costs
- Potential development of new hydrogen-powered aviation technology
- None.
Insights
The hydrogen combustion demonstration project represents a significant technological advancement in sustainable aviation. The collaboration between RTX's Pratt & Whitney and Next Hydrogen Solutions tackles two critical challenges: engine adaptation and hydrogen infrastructure development. The PW127XT engine's selection is strategic, as regional aviation presents the most viable early-adoption case for hydrogen propulsion due to shorter routes and lower power requirements.
The project's dual focus on both hydrogen combustion technology and electrolyzer development addresses the complete value chain. The 3% fuel efficiency improvement of the PW127XT engine provides a strong foundation for hydrogen adaptation. However, investors should note that commercial implementation is likely years away, requiring significant infrastructure development and regulatory approvals. The INSAT backing provides important governmental support and funding stability for this long-term R&D initiative.
The TEAME project's focus on advanced materials for hot section components is particularly noteworthy. This research could yield significant competitive advantages in engine efficiency and durability. Hot section improvements typically lead to
- Enhanced thermal efficiency
- Reduced fuel consumption
- Extended component lifespan
- Lower maintenance costs
First phase of HyADES project will include tests on PW127XT engine fuel nozzle and combustor rig
"This collaborative project with INSAT enables us to develop key technologies for future hydrogen powered aircraft and complements our wider efforts to advance aviation sustainability through a range of pathways, including continued improvements to engine efficiency, hybrid-electric propulsion and compatibility with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)," said Edward Hoskin, vice president, Engineering, Pratt & Whitney Canada. "While regional aviation represents one of the most promising use cases for hydrogen, the project will also demonstrate the versality of adapting the proven, highly efficient PW127XT turboprop engine to operate with low carbon alternative fuels and continues our legacy of technology leadership in this segment."
Funding for the first phase of the project will include fuel nozzle and combustor rig testing using hydrogen fuel, while future phases will target full engine ground testing. The PW127XT engine is the most advanced member of Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW100 engine series, which has powered regional turboprop aircraft for forty years and accumulated more than 220 million flight hours. Launched in 2021, the PW127XT engine offers over
"We are thrilled to collaborate with INSAT and Pratt & Whitney Canada on this project," said Raveel Afzaal, president and CEO of Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. "The ability to produce green hydrogen at scale will be a critical enabler for reducing aviation CO2 emissions, whether using hydrogen as a direct fuel for combustion or as feedstock for SAF."
As part of a second INSAT-supported project, Turbine Engine Advanced Materials for Efficiency (TEAME), Pratt & Whitney Canada will work with Derivation Research Laboratory (DRL) to explore advanced materials for hot section components of gas turbine engines, which will help to improve thermal efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Pratt & Whitney Canada will lead the overall project providing both technical input and project management, while DRL will provide world-class materials testing capability for a wide variety of critical material properties.
About Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc
Founded in 2007, Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of water electrolyzers that use water and electricity as inputs to generate clean hydrogen for use as a green energy source or a green industrial feedstock. Next Hydrogen's unique cell design architecture supported by 40 patents enables high current density operations and superior dynamic response to efficiently convert intermittent renewable electricity into green hydrogen on an infrastructure scale. Following successful pilots, Next Hydrogen is scaling up its technology to deliver commercial solutions to decarbonize transportation and industrial sectors. For further information: www.nexthydrogen.com
About Derivation Research Lab
Derivation Research Lab (DRL) was established in 2012 with an inherent focus on thermomechanical fatigue (TMF). Driven by passion, DRL offers expertise in modelling, research, and testing of high-temperature materials through a world-class facility located in
About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. To learn more visit www.prattwhitney.com.
About RTX
With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of
For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com
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