UC Irvine

This paper aims to advance the green transition of the aviation industry by introducing a dynamic modeling approach for the integration of hydrogen solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and gas turbines (GTs) in aircraft propulsion. Despite the significant potential for emission reduction and improved fuel efficiency, the adoption of the SOFC/GT system in aviation is impeded by many factors, which include a lack of understanding of dynamic performance under diverse flight conditions. Through a comprehensive approach that leverages the STRIDES dynamic modeling program, this paper presents an analysis of the dynamic response and electrochemical characteristics of the system under the varying power demands of a flight. The designed system achieves efficiency of 71.4% and a power output of 1.29MW. The methodology also emphasizes the complexities of flight conditions and potential areas for system optimization and improvement. The study, with a focus on the rapid response of the SOFC/GT system operated in a representative Cessna S550 Citation S/II aircraft flight under dynamic conditions, paves the way for the broader adoption of this technology, contributing to the mitigation of the environmental impacts of aviation.