Modelling and Optimization of Scalable Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems for Aviation

Fuel cell systems provide one possible technological pathway for sustainable aviation propulsion; however, aviation presents unique challenges for these systems. To address these challenges, this thesis presents a modelling, simulation, and optimization tool for the sizing and performance estimation of a fuel cell system operating in an aviation environment. The tool includes the drag from the thermal management system, optimal design of the compressor system considering the altitude, and a hydrogen storage system sizing procedure. The tool sizes components based on their on-design performance requirements, and completes an off-design performance analysis, ensuring that all components remain within their operational limits. An optimization algorithm is implemented that determines the component parameters that minimize the system mass and volume. The tool represents the first model to date that optimizes aircraft fuel cell systems considering the increased power demand from the thermal management system drag, with a high-fidelity hydrogen storage system sizing methodology.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Engineering, Aerospace

Grantor dc:publisher

Carleton University

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Sherwood, Adam James

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 2025 the author(s). Theses may be used for non-commercial research, educational, or related academic purposes only. Such uses include personal study, distribution to students, research and scholarship. Theses may only be shared by linking to the Carleton University Institutional Repository and no part may be copied without proper attribution to the author; no part may be used for commercial purposes directly or indirectly via a for-profit platform; no adaptation or derivative works are permitted without consent from the copyright owner.

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

10.22215/etd/2025-16736

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:carleton.scholaris.ca:20.500.14718/44763