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Hyflux partners with New Zealand researchers on lightweight aircraft propulsion

Ben SampsonBy 2 Mins Read
Paihau-Robinson Research Institute’s 3MW fully superconducting motor concept (sectioned model) in an ATR-72 engine nacelle (Image: Hyflux)

Hyflux, a UK-based startup developing lightweight superconducting motors for aircraft propulsion systems is partnering with a specialist institute from the Victoria University of Wellington.

HyFlux, which was founded in 2021 in Swansea, Wales, the Paihau-Robinson Research Institute at the Victoria University of Wellington and Wellington UniVentures in New Zealand are to work together on the lightweight motors, which feature cryogenically cooled superconductors to increase their power denisty.

Hyflux’s approach uses cryogenic hydrogen to cool the superconducting motors, significantly reducing their weight. Many future zero emissions aircraft designs are opting for liquid hydrogen as a fuel source, which would provide the cryogenic conditions that the superconductors need to operate.
HyFlux’s technology has been going through bench testing in the laboratory. The motor will be tested next year at the University of Bath’s IAAPS facility with a cryogenic heat exchanger to help scale it from 200kW to 3MW. The motors will also make use of additive manufacturing to make light weight and efficient components.
The company will be using grant funding and private investment to further mature the technology and plans to start flight testing a propulsion system in 2028.
The Paihau-Robinson Research Institute at Victoria University of Wellington specializes in applied superconductivity, cryogenics, and electromagnetics for aviation and maritime transportation applications

The partnership combines HyFlux’s innovations in superconducting motor technology with the research expertise of the Institute, which is led by Professor Rod Badcock.

Badcock said, “This partnership marks a significant step toward achieving true zero-emission transport. While there is much to be done, we are confident that our combined knowledge and experience will accelerate the development and certification of these groundbreaking technologies for the aerospace sector.”

Paul Perera, CEO and co-founder of HyFlux said, “We are thrilled to join forces with such esteemed institutions to take our collective vision of zero-emission aviation to new heights.

“Together, we are committed to making these superconducting technologies a reality, starting with aviation and expanding into other forms of transport.”

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Ben has worked as a journalist and editor, covering technology, engineering and industry for the last 20 years. Initially writing about subjects from nuclear submarines to autonomous cars to future design and manufacturing technologies, he was editor of a leading UK-based engineering magazine before becoming editor of Aerospace Testing in 2017.

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