Siemens and Protium initiated the Digital Twin project, which aims to digitalize the development of green hydrogen infrastructure for aircraft. The companies will develop rapid refueling technology via a “digital twin” approach to accelerate design and testing. This deploys a digital model of the refueling system to explore the decision space to optimize system design, then simulate and optimize real-world performance, reducing the need for expensive prototyping.

Hydrogen technologies are essential to support the 2050 net zero target for domestic flights. Green hydrogen produced using renewable electricity can replace conventional fossil fuels; however current technology is not able to deliver the rapid refueling essential to make hydrogen commercially viable for the aviation sector.

"This novel approach to designing refueling systems will increase confidence and understanding in the capabilities of emerging hydrogen technology, increase uptake across the UK and accelerate the transition to zero emission flight and tackle climate change," said Jen Baxter, Director of Innovation and Policy at Protium.

The Digital Twin project is grant-funded by the Connected Places Catapult and the UK Department for Transport, to help advance innovative technology that will accelerate the transition to Zero Emission Flight.