| Research project: | H2-Endo |  |
| Research area: | Endoscopy, MRO, Hydrogen, AI | |
| Funded by: | Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (LuFo VI-3) | |
| In collaboration with: | IT Concepts GmbH, 3D.aero GmbH, LED GmbH, Leder Elektronik Design GmbH | |
| Start of the project: | January 2025 | |
| End of the project: | December 2027 | |
| Contact person at the institute: | Knud Grigat, M.Sc |
Description:
Endoscopic measuring systems play an important role in the maintenance of aircraft, especially aircraft engines, as they enable inspections without the need for costly disassembly. Increasingly, 3D measuring endoscopes are being used to measure and classify defects and make informed decisions about cost-intensive decommissioning or dismantling. Future generations of zero-emission aircraft with hydrogen-based propulsion systems will also pose special challenges for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) processes. Leaking hydrogen gas, through leaks or through controlled venting for pressure regulation, poses a risk due to its flammability and potential explosiveness. This necessitates special protective measures, such as the avoidance of ignition sources through the use of explosion-proof (ATEX-certified) equipment. When using conventional measuring systems, extensive purging of the engine with inert gases would be required to ensure explosion protection.
In addition, the use of hydrogen as an energy source leads to changes in damage patterns that need to be analyzed. As the specific design of hydrogen-based drives is still an active area of research, the endoscopic measuring systems must also be adaptable. For instance, a combination of endoscopy and gas analysis is required in order to be able to test the tightness of joints in the drivetrain, even in areas that are difficult to access.
The aim of the joint project H2-Endo is therefore to develop a modular system of endoscopic measurement systems for the inspection of aircraft with hydrogen-based propulsion systems. The IFPT is focusing on the requirements for the modular system resulting from an analysis of MRO processes and hydrogen-based propulsion concepts. In addition, the effects of hydrogen as an energy source on the damage patterns that occur and can be detected by the measuring system are to be analyzed. The IFPT is also working on the adaptation of AI methods for damage detection to the new domain of hydrogen. In this context, synthetic training data is to be generated in order to enable (partially) automated diagnosis.
Contact person at the institute: Knud Grigat