With the Hanseatic Hydrogen Center for Aviation and Maritime, H2AM for short, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is realising a further measure of the National Hydrogen Strategy. Against this backdrop, the Hamburg-based ZAL Centre for Applied Aviation Research is receiving a proportionate funding volume of around 12 million euros. ZAL GmbH has been commissioned to expand the existing research infrastructure with a test stand for altitude simulation and cryogenic system components in aviation. The planned research infrastructure will make it possible, for example, to investigate the suitability for use of individual components and system components of fuel cell systems at altitudes of up to 7000 metres, which is essential for future safe and reliable operation in aircraft. Significant challenges arise in the area of propulsion systems in particular, which, in addition to optimising climatic effects, also address an extension of flight times and an extension of the flight range for small aircraft. In addition to experiments with gaseous hydrogen, the use of liquid nitrogen and liquid hydrogen is also planned in order to carry out a large number of experiments on a laboratory scale, for example in the areas of handling and refuelling. The research facilities developed in this way are to be used in subsequent, subsidised research and development projects.
The aim of the presentation is to introduce the planned research infrastructures, examine the associated challenges in detail and highlight the resulting opportunities for Hamburg as an Aviation Centre.