Construction has been completed on a new test cell facility at Cranfield University, developed as part of the Cranfield Hydrogen Integration Incubator project.
The Cranfield Power & Propulsion Laboratories (CPPL) add to the University’s large-scale, state-of-the-art research facilities and build on more than 50 years of expertise, research and development in systems design, integration and performance.
CPPL gives industry and academia a space for advanced research enabling cross-disciplinary collaboration.
“Cranfield’s new Power and Propulsion Laboratories (CPPL) will drive the development of new technologies for decarbonising aviation,” said Professor Vassilios Pachidis, head of centre for propulsion and thermal power engineering.
“CPPL will focus on the aerodynamic and thermodynamic integration of new power systems with the aircraft. This includes the utilisation of sustainable aviation fuels including hydrogen, electrification and hybridisation, and exploring the potential benefits of supercritical CO2 and other ‘unusual’ working fluids for thermal management applications.”
The facility will be used to train new talent urgently needed by industry, including those enrolled in master’s and PhD programmes at Cranfield.
“CPPL is set to play a key role in driving sustainable growth by delivering innovative solutions with global impact, and securing the UK’s industrial, research and academic leadership,” added Professor Pachidis.
Pic: Lindum Group
