I was wondering if you think hydrogen would work as a fuel in model airplane engines?

Question

For a science project

Answer 1

I really believe hydrogen is the fuel of the future.

I'm no chemist, nor am I an engineer, but hydrogen engines absolutely do exist and they work well.

In an internal combustion engine the idea is very much the same as it is for a gasoline engine, get the fuel/air mixture correct, ignite it (I don't know if you would need a spark, or if pressure alone would be enough as in a diesel engine. Its your project, figure it out!)and away you go.

I think it could be used as a fuel in a turbine engine (jet) as well, but I don't think I'd recommend an amateur take on that that kind of a project for several reasons. Its going to be expensive, no way around that. It will be dangerous, hydrogen is EXTREMELY flammable and I can think of lots of ways it could go wrong.

If you can pick up a cheap 4 stroke airplane engine I say you go for it. Start with no fuel, start spinning the prop with an electric starter and add hydrogen until you find a mixture that will allow the engine to run.

Be safe, and keep a fire extinguisher around. It wouldn't be a half bad idea to do your experiments outside with your running shoes on.

Answer 2

Yeah Probably.

But treat hydrogen as it it were gasoline or worse. It's pretty dangerous to handle so I would probably get some help for the science project.

Also, you may want to get liquid hydrogen, because gaseous hydrogen probably won't be dense enough to have a decent fuel storage.

Answer 3

Probably not.  To get a tank that small for that high of pressure two problems occur.  It is heavy and it will likely be expensive.  As far as combustion goes, yes it would work.  Carrying the fuel can be troublesome.