ITP Aero Conducts Hydrogen Combustion Tests on a Gas Turbine for the First Time

ITP Aero has successfully carried out its first hydrogen combustion tests on an aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). An APU is an independent engine that provides power to an aircraft’s systems when the main engines are not running. Its main functions include supplying electricity for ventilation and other systems, as well as keeping the main engines warm to avoid cold starts.

To perform hydrogen combustion tests on an APU, ITP Aero developed all the required fuel and control systems to ensure stable and controlled operation. The tests were conducted at its Ajalvir (Madrid) facility, taking into account all safety considerations associated with the use of hydrogen.

José Moisés Martín, General Director of Spain’s Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI), visited ITP Aero’s facilities and witnessed the hydrogen tests first-hand. These trials are part of the CHALUPA project (Liquid Hydrogen-Based Use in Auxiliary Power Units), which aims to integrate various hydrogen-powered APU architectures into aircraft using cryogenic liquid hydrogen.

The delegation also had the opportunity to observe the cutting-edge propulsion technology developments ITP Aero is working on under the APERTURAS and CRIPICOM programmes.

The APERTURAS project (Advances in Electric Propulsion with Turbomachinery) aims to develop various zero-emission electric propulsion systems ranging from 70 to 700 kilowatts, targeted at urban and intercity mobility applications, such as air taxis. At the higher end of the power range, these distributed electric propulsion systems could be applied to short-range regional aircraft, in combination with fuel cells or hybrid propulsion solutions.

The CRIPICOM project (Cryogenics, Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Combustion in Air Transport) seeks to develop fuel cell technology up to a first demonstrator, including power electronics, an electric motor, and a propulsion element (propeller or compressor).

These developments represent a key milestone in ITP Aero’s commitment to decarbonising the aerospace sector through disruptive technologies that enable more sustainable air transport.

Erlantz Cristóbal, CTO of ITP Aero, stated: “At ITP Aero, we are committed to the decarbonisation of the aerospace sector. Disruptive technologies such as electric and hydrogen-based propulsion are essential and must be combined with the development of more efficient gas turbines. These projects are a great example of public-private collaboration, as well as partnership with technology centres and universities, which are crucial to positioning ourselves at the forefront of technologies that will play a vital role in the future of aviation.”