HySky Pod

HySky Society

The HySky Pod dives into the pioneers, technologies, and bold ideas shaping the future of hydrogen-powered aviation. Hosted by Danielle McLean, founder of HySky Society—a nonprofit accelerating zero-carbon flight—this show explores everything from liquid hydrogen, fuel cells, and cryogenic storage to drones, UAVs, helicopters, eVTOLs, fixed-wing aircraft, and the entire advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystem. Each episode features deep, human conversations with leaders across aerospace, energy, climate tech, and AI. We cover hydrogen production, midstream logistics, propulsion systems, infrastructure, policy, supply chains, and the breakthrough innovations required to scale hydrogen aviation globally. Whether you're building next-generation aircraft, exploring hydrogen for drones or rotorcraft, developing AI-driven aerospace systems, or simply curious about the future of flight—this podcast is your front-row seat. If it flies and runs on hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, batteries, we’re talking about it.

  1. 8h ago

    Holistic Design of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Aero Engines | SoftinWay | HySky Monthly #82

    The conversation revolves around the HySky Monthly event, focusing on the decarbonization of aviation through hydrogen technology and the introduction of SoftinWay's engineering solutions for advanced propulsion systems. Key discussions include community engagement, upcoming events, and the innovative software tools developed by SoftinWay to address engineering challenges in the UAV and hydrogen fuel cell sectors. The conversation focuses on the development of a comprehensive simulation model for a hydrogen fuel cell electric aero engine, emphasizing the integration of various components and their interactions. The discussion highlights the importance of system-level analysis, co-simulation techniques, and the design considerations for optimizing engine performance. The conversation delves into the complexities of designing and optimizing fuel cell systems, focusing on the integration of thermal management and performance metrics. It highlights the importance of geometric feasibility and efficiency in compressor design, as well as the implications of various operational parameters on system performance. Takeaways Decarbonization of aviationInnovative engineering solutions Holistic simulation approachImportance of system integration Importance of geometric feasibilityEfficiency optimization in design Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Issues07:50 HySky Monthly Overview14:28 Introduction to SoftinWay25:55 Holistic Design in Propulsion Systems31:59 Developing a Holistic Simulation Model34:24 Understanding System Integration Challenges37:40 Co-Simulation Techniques for Engine Modeling40:54 Interactive Software Demonstration45:15 Designing Engine Components and Architecture51:03 Analyzing Fuel Cell and Turbine Performance56:08 Generative Design for Turbomachinery01:03:37 Navigating Zero-Dimensional Cycles01:07:32 Fuel Cell Dynamics and Performance01:10:34 Thermal Management Systems Explained01:14:01 Dissecting the Thermal Management Model01:18:14 Control Systems and Performance Analysis01:24:13 Conclusions and Future Directions

  2. Sep 23

    #81 | Proving Liquid Hydrogen Flight | AeroDelft’s Project Phoenix

    Can liquid hydrogen aviation work with technology that exists today? In Episode 81 of HYSKY Monthly, we sit down with Duuk Niemantsverdriet and Arthur Romanelli Chaves of AeroDelft to go inside Project Phoenix—the student-led effort working to demonstrate hydrogen-electric flight and help advance the technology, safety practices, and certification pathways needed to make hydrogen aviation a reality. AeroDelft has already demonstrated its full-scale hydrogen-electric powertrain and completed a gaseous-hydrogen taxi test at an operational airport. Now, the team is working toward the next major milestones: gaseous hydrogen flight and, ultimately, liquid hydrogen flight. We get into the engineering behind the aircraft, including its fuel-cell powertrain, hydrogen storage, thermal management, cryogenic LH₂ system, heat exchanger, hydrogen venting, and the transition from gaseous to liquid hydrogen. Duuk and Arthur also explain why some of the hardest challenges aren't simply technical—they involve safety, certification, infrastructure, regulation, and building confidence in hydrogen as an aviation fuel. The conversation also explores AeroDelft's unusual model: a rotating student team taking on challenges normally associated with major aerospace companies, supported by an ecosystem of aviation, engineering, research, hydrogen, and technology partners. In this episode: Project Phoenix • Liquid vs. gaseous hydrogen • Hydrogen fuel cells • Cryogenic LH₂ storage • Thermal management • Hydrogen safety • Aircraft certification • Hydrogen infrastructure • The economics of hydrogen • The future of zero-emission aviation HYSKY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the decarbonization of aviation and aerospace through connection, community, advocacy, awareness, and education. Subscribe for more conversations with the engineers, founders, researchers, policymakers, and organizations building the future of hydrogen aviation. #HydrogenAviation #LiquidHydrogen #AeroDelft #ProjectPhoenix #Hydrogen #Aviation #SustainableAviation #FuelCells #Aerospace #HYSKY

  3. Jul 28

    Onboard Liquid Hydrogen Storage for Aircraft | Dr. Barry Prince of FABRUM | HYSKY Monthly #79

    The conversation begins with technical difficulties and preparations for the webinar, followed by the setup of the webinar and welcoming of participants. The host introduces HySky Society and Dr. Barry Prince, who presents on the importance of liquid hydrogen in aviation. The conversation explores the challenges and solutions in cryogenic fuel tanks, emphasizing the ideal composite tank considerations, triple skin tank advantages, system considerations for liquid hydrogen storage, and the establishment of a liquid hydrogen test facility in Christchurch. The key takeaways include the potential for liquid hydrogen in aviation, the importance of lightweight composite tanks, and the role of small-scale hydrogen liquefiers in technology development. Takeaways Preparation and technical setup are crucial for a successful webinarLiquid hydrogen plays a significant role in the future of sustainable aviation Potential for liquid hydrogen in aviationImportance of lightweight composite tanks Chapters 00:00 Technical Difficulties and Preparations03:32 Setting Up the Webinar12:30 Welcoming Participants15:18 Introduction to HySky Society18:29 Introduction of Dr. Barry Prince19:39 Presentation by Dr. Barry Prince35:09 Importance of Liquid Hydrogen in Aviation43:59 Challenges and Solutions in Cryogenic Fuel Tanks54:31 Triple Skin Tank Advantages59:54 System Considerations for Liquid Hydrogen Storage01:05:48 Liquid Hydrogen Test Facility in Christchurch01:09:17 Takeaways and Future Developments01:10:25 Q&A Session01:26:02 Composite Tank Material and Certification

  4. Jun 16

    Can Automotive Hydrogen Fuel Cells Power Aircraft? FEV Aerospace Explains | HYSKY Monthly #78

    See FEV Aerospace live at FlyingHY 2026: https://www.hysky.org/flyinghy2026 Huge thanks to our sponsor, Unither Bioelectronics: https://unither.aero/en/ Register for live webinars free: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regis... Follow FEV Aerospace: 🔹 Website: https://www.fev.com 🔹 LinkedIn:   / fev-group   🔹 FEV Aerospace: https://www.fev.com/en/industries/aer... Meet the Speakers: Ben Chiswick Business Development Director FEV North America Satyam Joshi, PhD Technical Leader FEV North America Can automotive hydrogen fuel cell technology power the next generation of aircraft? In this HYSKY Monthly webinar, experts from FEV Aerospace explore how decades of automotive fuel cell development can be adapted and optimized for aviation applications. The discussion examines the challenges of increasing power density, reducing system weight, improving thermal management, integrating liquid hydrogen storage, and designing propulsion systems for eVTOL and advanced air mobility aircraft. Drawing on FEV's extensive experience across automotive, rail, marine, and aerospace sectors, the presenters demonstrate how hydrogen fuel cell technology is evolving from ground transportation to sustainable flight. 🚀 Topics Covered: ✔️ Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Aviation ✔️ Automotive-to-Aerospace Technology Transfer ✔️ eVTOL Hydrogen Propulsion Systems ✔️ Fuel Cell Power Density Optimization ✔️ Liquid Hydrogen Storage ✔️ Thermal Management Challenges ✔️ Bipolar Plate Design & Lightweighting ✔️ Multi-Stage Compressors for High Altitude Flight ✔️ Aircraft Systems Engineering ✔️ Fuel Cell Dominant vs Battery Dominant Architectures ✔️ Aircraft Mission Modeling & Optimization ✔️ Advanced Air Mobility Applications

About

The HySky Pod dives into the pioneers, technologies, and bold ideas shaping the future of hydrogen-powered aviation. Hosted by Danielle McLean, founder of HySky Society—a nonprofit accelerating zero-carbon flight—this show explores everything from liquid hydrogen, fuel cells, and cryogenic storage to drones, UAVs, helicopters, eVTOLs, fixed-wing aircraft, and the entire advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystem. Each episode features deep, human conversations with leaders across aerospace, energy, climate tech, and AI. We cover hydrogen production, midstream logistics, propulsion systems, infrastructure, policy, supply chains, and the breakthrough innovations required to scale hydrogen aviation globally. Whether you're building next-generation aircraft, exploring hydrogen for drones or rotorcraft, developing AI-driven aerospace systems, or simply curious about the future of flight—this podcast is your front-row seat. If it flies and runs on hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, batteries, we’re talking about it.