Fueling the Future: Continental’s Material Expertise Paves the Way for Hydrogen in Aviation

As the industry strives to reduce its carbon footprint and comply with increasingly stringent emissions regulations, hydrogen emerges as a crucial solution for decarbonization. However, integrating hydrogen into aviation presents unique infrastructure challenges that necessitate innovative materials and technologies to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability.

At Continental, our deep-rooted material expertise positions us at the forefront of addressing these challenges, particularly in the development of specialized products like hydrogen dispensing hoses.

The Challenge of Hydrogen Infrastructure in Aviation

Hydrogen, though promising as a clean energy carrier, is a complex medium to handle. Its properties – low molecular density, the need for high pressure, and extremely low temperatures for liquid storage – make its use in aviation particularly demanding. Building a hydrogen infrastructure for the aviation industry involves more than just developing new propulsion systems; it requires a complete overhaul of how hydrogen is produced, stored, transported, and dispensed.

Comparably, just as a high-performance sports car requires specialized systems to handle extreme speeds and temperatures, aviation hydrogen systems must be engineered to operate safely under cryogenic conditions of -253°C (-423°F). This includes insulated tanks and secure refueling hoses that ensure stability and safety, all while integrating seamlessly into existing airport infrastructure.

Aviation necessitates the development of specialized systems designed to handle hydrogen safely. This includes everything from airport storage tanks and refueling hoses to transportation pipelines and onboard tanks. These systems must function effectively under extreme conditions while adhering to the highest safety standards. Additionally, they need to be seamlessly integrated into the existing airport and aviation infrastructure.

The Importance of Material Expertise

The safe and efficient handling of hydrogen in aviation relies significantly on the materials utilized in the infrastructure. From hydrogen hoses to refueling systems, the materials must withstand high pressures, extreme temperatures, and corrosive environments, all while maintaining long-term durability and performance.

At Continental, our material expertise – gained from decades of experience in the oil and gas sector – enables us to design and develop advanced products that meet the stringent demands of hydrogen systems. Our hydrogen dispensing hoses, for example, are specially engineered to handle the high pressures and low temperatures required for hydrogen refueling in aviation. These hoses ensure efficient and safe transfer of hydrogen from storage tanks to aircraft, a critical step in building the hydrogen infrastructure for airports.

Why Material-Driven Solutions Matter

Developing the hydrogen infrastructure for aviation is not just about creating new systems – it’s about ensuring that those systems are reliable, efficient, and scalable. This is where material expertise plays a pivotal role. The right materials not only ensure the safety and performance of hydrogen systems but also enhance the durability and cost-effectiveness of the entire supply chain.

For instance, our material-driven solutions, such as compensators and high-performance hoses, are designed to handle the unique physical and chemical properties of hydrogen. These innovations allow airports and aircraft manufacturers to build hydrogen refueling stations that can operate efficiently at scale, providing a crucial link in the hydrogen supply chain for aviation.

Continental: Leading the Way in Hydrogen Innovation

As the aviation industry embraces hydrogen to reduce emissions and meet regulatory goals, Continental is committed to leading the way in hydrogen innovation. Our manufacturing capabilities with high quality standards, our material expertise and experience in energy systems enable us to develop tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of hydrogen infrastructure for aviation.

With products like hydrogen dispensing hoses, we are helping to build the foundation for a hydrogen-powered aviation industry—one that meets the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and reliability. By working closely with our customers and leveraging our deep knowledge of materials, we are enabling the energy transition and accompany big players of the aviation industry for their journey into sustainable aviation.