公开(公告)号：US20250154894A1

公开(公告)日：2025-05-15

申请号：US18916958

申请日：2024-10-16

Applicant: Rolls-Royce plc

Inventor： Michael C. WILLMOT ,  Gergana Yanakieva DIMITROVA

IPC: F02C3/22 ,  F02C7/08

Abstract: A propulsion system comprises a propulsive hydrogen-burning gas turbine engine, a fuel cell stack auxiliary power unit (APU) and a first tank arranged to store liquid hydrogen with an ullage. A first fuel line includes a first pump and a first vaporiser and transports hydrogen from the first tank to combustion apparatus of the engine during operation of the propulsion system. A second fuel line includes a second fuel pump and a second vaporiser and transports hydrogen from the first tank to the fuel cell stack APU. A duct connects the second fuel line at a position thereon between the second vaporiser and the fuel cell stack to the ullage of the first tank, providing for pressure in the first tank to be maintained therein as liquid hydrogen within the first tank is depleted, thus avoiding cavitation of liquid hydrogen within the first fuel pump.