Research Activities

The GasTurb team has been engaged in publicly funded research projects for many years, working closely with leading research and industry partners to drive innovation. Our focus is on the performance and predesign of future aircraft engines, with particular emphasis on electric propulsion systems and hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.


BaLoK.NRW – Fuel cell drive with aviation-optimized cooling concept from North Rhine-Westphalia

Hydrogen fuel cells are a promising energy source for future aviation. However, managing the heat generated remains a technical challenge. The BaLoK.NRW project addresses this by developing aviation-optimized cooling for fuel cells in small aircraft, focusing on reducing drag to improve propulsion system efficiency. The research project is funded by the European Union and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia: EFRE/JTF-Program NRW 2021-2027

In order to be able to manage the transformation to climate-neutral aviation, hydrogen is the energy source of choice. Hydrogen has the highest weight-related energy content and due to its low density automatically compensates for the increased system weight of the fuel cell. On the other hand, there is the technical problem that a heat dissipation of about 50% of the total energy of the hydrogen must be guaranteed. In current applications, the heat exchangers used for this purpose increase air drag so significantly that hydrogen consumption increases by up to 30%.

For this reason, the key technology for aviation-optimised cooling of fuel cells in small aircraft with between two and 20 seats is being developed in the project BaLoK.NRW. After the corresponding requirements have been defined, the subcomponents of the ultra-quiet ducted propeller, the fuel cell system and the innovative cooling concept will be optimized. Suitable components from automotive technology are then used to integrate the entire system into a gyrocopter and to test it on the ground.

BaLoK.NRW is thus making a significant contribution to the development of the hydrogen economy in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The participation of local partners and the associated transfer of knowledge will create a competence center for climate-neutral aviation. The jobs created as a result are secured in the long term by the forward-looking hydrogen technology.

Project Partners

  • FEV Europe GmbH
  • Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT
  • GasTurb GmbH
  • Helix-Carbon GmbH
  • Jetpel GmbH
  • RWTH Aachen University