Calculation of the emission characteristics of aircraft kerosene and hydrogen propulsion

Abstract

Calculation of the emission characteristics of aircraft kerosene and hydrogen propulsion have been done in comparison. The method from SCHWARTZ 2009 was applied and adapted. Hydrogen combustion is free of CO2 emissions, but has 2.58 times more water emissions. This primary effect would lead to an equivalent CO2 mass 50% higher than for kerosene. However, secondary effects of contrail formation (larger ice crystals leading to a decreased contrail optical depth) and the possibility of low NOx lean hydrogen combustion results in equivalent CO2 mass in the order of kerosene propulsion. Current state of knowledge does not allow a conclusive assessment. Nevertheless, it is certain that hydrogen powered aircraft will have more than zero emissions. Hydrogen propulsion has the advantage that emissions are only short term. Hence these emissions do not cause a compiled burden for future generations as it would be with accumulated CO2.