Batteries suck in energy density and weight and in some cases, that really matters. Battery electric planes are not even close to being feasible other than for very small in size and range planes. Hydrogen is at least feasible.
Batteries suck in energy density and weight and in some cases, that really matters. Battery electric planes are not even close to being feasible other than for very small in size and range planes. Hydrogen is at least feasible.
Is hydrogen more energy dense (in either energy per unit volume OR per unit weight) than traditional fuels?
It might be better than batteries, but I'd be surprised if it was any better than current fuels.
Chemically, yes. But in reality, very far from it.
The bulky high pressure cylinders needed to store the gas (unlike propane etc, it doesn't liquify) easily weigh an order of magnitude more than the mass of gas they contain.
It reuses all the existing infrastructure and requires no engine modifications.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADpsUhdIO4w a video by a pilot on SAF and why it just won't cut it.