A critical review of cryogenic hydrogen storage and fuel-system integration for aviation
Liquid hydrogen (LH₂) is attractive for medium and long-range aviation because of its high specific energy, approximately 120 MJ kg⁻¹. This review examines cryogenic hydrogen storage and fuel-system integration for aviation, arguing that LH₂ tanks should be treated as active cryogenic supply systems embedded within the aircraft. A central finding is that desirable design directions are often antagonistic, highlighting the need for aircraft-scale transient validation, full-field diagnostics, standardised testing and frameworks that capture reliability, inspection and interacting failure modes.
DOI
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Journal
10.1016/j.rser.2026.117299
Authors
R. Jagpal | G.M. Neville | V. Sahadevan | R. Butler | C. Bowen | S. Harrison | T.J. Mays