Patrick Meyer

My name is Patrick Meyer. I am a research assistant and PhD student at the Institute of Jet Propulsion and Turbomachinery at TU Braunschweig. In my research, I investigate fuel cell-based electric propulsion systems for aviation.

Efficient use of fuel cells in aviation requires an air management system that continuously supplies the fuel cell stack with compressed and conditioned air throughout the entire flight envelope.

In my project DEFCA (Design-space Evaluation of the air-, heat- and power management of Fuel Cells for Aviation), I therefore focus on the identification and optimisation of suitable system components and architectures for the air management system of a medium range aircraft. Within the scope of the project, the components are designed and then analysed in on- and off-design conditions in order to enable precise predictions of the performance and the expected operating range.

What inspires me most about my research is the investigation of a complex overall system and the challenge of designing and combining the interacting components in the best possible way. By working in the SE²A cluster, I also benefit from being able to investigate the impact of my research on other disciplines, such as thermal management and aircraft design.

The goal of reducing the climate impact of aviation requires the immediate development of new propulsion concepts. PEM fuel cells have great potential because of their zero CO₂ and NO_x emissions, high efficiency and high power density. The air management system of the fuel cell has a significant impact on its efficiency and operating range, and thus on fuel consumption, waste heat and the overall weight of the propulsion system. A detailed design, analysis and optimisation of the air management system is therefore essential for the development of future fuel cell-powered aircraft.

Working together in the SE²A network provides a valuable exchange and connects PhD students and experts from a broad range of research areas. Through interdisciplinary and international collaboration, I not only gain insights into other research fields, but also have the opportunity to expand my own research. The exchange of knowledge and ideas helps me to look at complex problems from different perspectives and to gain new ideas. Such interdisciplinary collaboration and the use of synergies between projects are particularly important for the successful establishment of new technologies, such as next generation fuel cell-powered aircraft.