Title:
Advanced Thermal Management in Aviation: Solutions for Megawatt-Scale Systems
Authors:
J.B. Philipp, P.M. Schäfer, I. Zerbes, T. Cebulla, D. Pfinder, A. Ziza, E. Lohse, N. Pascual-Madrigal
Abstract:
One of the main challenges for fuel cell propulsion, aside from hydrogen storage and the fuel cells themselves, is thermal management. Fuel cells dissipate around 50% of the energy as heat, necessitating cooling systems up to a megawatt range for a 100-passenger aircraft. While such cooling systems are widely used in ground applications, including pumps, fans, heat exchangers, sensors, pipes, reservoirs, filters and valves, there are currently no airborne cooling systems in the megawatt range available. A lightweight and reliable system approach with two liquid cooling loops will be presented. Design approaches for key components will be discussed, including a design to achieve a 70% weight reduction for the cooling fluid pump compared to ground pumps. Additionally, the impacts of using active versus passive thermal expansion reservoirs and the design approaches for liquid-to-air heat exchangers as well as thermal control valves will be explored.
Event:
Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2025, Augsburg
Location, Year:
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Lilienthal-Oberth e.V., Bonn, 2026
Format:
21,0 x 29,7 cm, 4 Pages
Descriptors:
EN: Thermal Management, Fuel Cell
Citation:
Philipp, J.B.; Schäfer, P.M.; et al. (2026): Advanced Thermal Management in Aviation: Solutions for Megawatt-Scale Systems. DGLR Published Conference Papers. Volume 4. (2026). ISSN: 2941-3451. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Lilienthal-Oberth e.V.. (Text). https://doi.org/10.25967/650044. urn:nbn:de:101:1-2601231451172.491555387456.
Publishing Date:
23.01.2026