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IEEE Tallahassee Section, PES, LMAG Joint Technical Seminar

Title: Cryogenic Electric Propulsion for Liquid Hydrogen: A Game Changer for Aircraft Propulsion

Speaker: Dr. Ludovic Ybanez, Head of cryogenic electric propulsion system demonstrator Airbus UpNext

Date and Time: Friday, January 10, 2025, 11:00 am

Location: CAPS Seminar Room 120 (2000 Levy Avenue, Building A, Tallahassee, Fl 32310)

Abstract

To reduce the carbon footprint of aviation, Airbus is proposing to develop a liquid hydrogen aircraft over the next decade. Liquid hydrogen must be stored at 22K (-250°C), and if such a cold source is available on board, cryogenic cooling of conventional electrical components and the use of high-temperature superconducting technologies promise to revolutionize electric propulsion systems. This pioneering development is pursued with a pragmatic approach, from the exploration activities of Airbus CRT (Central Research & Technology) to the launch in 2021, as part of Airbus UpNext, of the ASCEND project (Advanced Superconducting and Cryogenic Experimental Powertrain Demonstrator). It has been focused on the development of an integrated 500 kW cryogenic propulsion system, comprising superconducting cables, cryogenic power electronics, a superconducting motor, a control and monitoring unit and a cryogenic cooling system. All these components have been integrated and tested on a dedicated test rig at Airbus X-Labs (Ottobrunn, Germany) from January 2023.

This project demonstrates the potential of cryogenic propulsion in terms of components and equipment figure of merits improvements, as well as a significant value for high-power electric propulsion of future Airbus products.

Brief Bio

Ludovic Ybanez is responsible for the 2 MW cryogenic propulsion demonstrator at Airbus UpNext. After demonstrating with a project called ASCEND the great potential of superconducting technologies for liquid hydrogen aircraft, he took responsibility for the development and maturation of these technologies for electric propulsion systems. He is also in charge of Airbus’ roadmap for superconducting technologies.  In addition, he is Managing director of Airbus Exo Zero Emissions SAS.

Dr. Ludovic Ybanez, Airbus UpNext