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[Reposted from the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT). Author – Julien Caudroit]
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT) launches its first innovative research projects worth over 100 M$
Ottawa, Ontario – November 6, 2024 – The Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT) is proud to announce the launch of its first research projects aimed at supporting the decarbonization of the aerospace industry and the aviation sector through new technologies. The total investment in these projects amounts to $101M, which includes a contribution of $28M from the Government of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund through the INSAT initiative.
Representative first projects
INSAT is committed to playing a leading role in transforming the aerospace sector towards a green economy.
“The aerospace sector worldwide is undergoing a transformation driven by rising demand for cleaner, greener products,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
“Our government is committed to reducing aviation emissions and achieving Canada’s climate goals, all while reinforcing our position as a global leader in aerospace. These new projects, funded through INSAT, will help accelerate the green transformation of Canada’s aerospace industry and create high-quality jobs across the country.”
“Today, we are announcing the first projects supported by INSAT, but many more are currently in development, and others will be added very soon,” said Michel Dion, CEO of INSAT.
“We are confident that these initiatives will help reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and position Canada as a global leader in sustainable aeronautics technologies, benefiting our economy and all Canadians.”
With these 5 initial projects, 6 provinces are already represented, highlighting the interest this program is generating across the country.
Innovative research projects
We present below the projects supported in this first announcement.
Turbine Engine Advanced Materials for Efficiency (TEAME)
Collaborators: Pratt & Whitney Canada (Québec) and Derivation Research Laboratory (DRL) (Ontario)
Pratt & Whitney Canda will work with Derivation Research Laboratory (DRL) to explore advanced materials for hot section components of gas turbine engines, which will help to improve thermal efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Pratt & Whitney Canada will lead the overall project providing both technical input and project management, while DRL will provide world-class testing capability for a wide variety of critical material properties.
Development of Fuel Cell Stack with Integrated Solid-state Hydrogen Storage System for Aviation Applications.
Collaborators: Ballard Power Systems Inc. (British Columbia) and Hydrogen In Motion Inc. H2M (British Columbia)
The objective is to undertake the research and development required to produce a scalable, cost-effective, combined hydrogen storage and fuel cell solution for aviation that addresses weight and volume and improves refueling logistics. An optimized high-power density fuel cell stack will be evaluated with a novel solid-state hydrogen storage system that addresses the challenging requirements for aviation applications. This project addresses several of INSAT’s pillars toward transitioning the aviation market toward net zero.
Ground testing of an experimental “electric jet” aircraft powered by batteries and 250kW eJet by Duxion
Collaborators: Duxion Motors Inc. (Newfoundland and Labrador) and Tronosjet Maintenance Inc. (Prince Edward Island)
This INSAT project prepares Duxion’s 250kW eJet motor for the first flight through enhancements to system redundancy, weight reduction, and altitude capabilities. A single-engine, single-seat experimental jet powered by batteries and Duxion’s eJet will complete ground testing and achieve readiness for flight testing to follow. Lessons learned from analysis, manufacturing, aircraft integration, and ground testing will be leveraged as input for a series of project close-out analyses, including scalability for commercial operations.
Electrification of the DHC-2 Mk1 De Havilland Beaver
Collaborators: Harbour Air Aviation Services Ltd. (British Columbia) et Elevate Aviation Ltd. (Alberta)
Harbour Air is leading the electrification of the DHC-2 Mk. I Beaver, with Elevate Aviation partnering to support the development of a future talent pipeline. Together, they aim to identify the knowledge gaps between electric and traditional aviation, while encouraging youth to explore careers in this innovative field. Once the project is successfully completed, Harbour Air plans to convert its entire Beaver fleet, offer conversions to other operators, and apply the intellectual property to other aircraft types. Elevate Aviation will support the educational aspect by establishing a Learning Centre in Vancouver, preparing the next generation of professionals who will be needed to design, operate, and maintain electric aviation technologies by creating courses for youth aged 11-18 inspiring their entry into the aviation industry.
Hydrogen ADvanced Engine Study (HyADES)
Collaborators: Pratt & Whitney Canada (Québec) and Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. (Ontario)
Pratt & Whitney Canada will demonstrate hydrogen combustion technology on a PW127XT regional turboprop engine. The project will include Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc., which will develop the high-efficiency, low-cost electrolysers needed for establishing hydrogen production infrastructure. With the potential to achieve zero carbon emissions, hydrogen-powered aircraft could contribute to the aviation industry’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
About INSAT
The Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT) is a national network dedicated to promoting innovation and sustainability in the aerospace sector. By bringing together experts from various fields, INSAT works to develop advanced technological solutions for a greener and more responsible aviation future.