Abstract: A hydrogen boiloff capture system. The hydrogen boiloff capture system having a cryogenic tank for storing liquid hydrogen. The hydrogen boiloff capture system also includes an intermediate tank fluidically coupled with the cryogenic tank. The intermediate tank is configured to receive hydrogen gas boiloff from the cryogenic tank. The intermediate tank is further configured to provide the hydrogen gas boiloff to a lighter-than-air craft to regulate buoyancy of the lighter-than-air craft. The intermediate tank is also configured to provide the hydrogen gas boiloff to a hydrogen fuel cell coupled to the lighter-than-air craft.

Abstract: A cryogenic fuel tank for retrofitting a conventional fossil-fuel-powered aircraft, or for a purposely built aircraft to run on hydrogen has an aerodynamically shaped outer surface including an ogive shaped nose cone, and a tapered tail cone, wherein the tapered tail cone includes actively adjustable elements for adjusting aerodynamic characteristics of the cryogenic fuel tank. The cryogenic fuel tank is configured to be attached below wings of the aircraft, through support pylons, which include sensors configured to measure forces applied by the cryogenic fuel tank to the airframe. The cryogenic fuel tank includes a nozzle and valve configured to vent gas from the cryogenic fuel tank by expansion through the nozzle in the event that the cryogenic fuel tank is jettisoned from the aircraft.

Abstract: Method and system for managing hydrogen fuel in hydrogen fuel cell-powered aircraft is disclosed. The method identifies unused hydrogen fuel in a fuel tank of the aircraft. Determines an amount of the unused hydrogen fuel in the fuel tank of the aircraft. Transfers the amount of the unused hydrogen fuel from the fuel tank of the aircraft into a hydrogen fuel cell of the aircraft and converts the amount of the unused hydrogen fuel into electricity via the hydrogen fuel cell of the aircraft.

Abstract: A hydrogen boiloff capture system. The hydrogen boiloff capture system having a cryogenic tank for storing liquid hydrogen. The hydrogen boiloff capture system also includes an intermediate tank fluidically coupled with the cryogenic tank. The intermediate tank is configured to receive hydrogen gas boiloff from the cryogenic tank. The intermediate tank is further configured to provide the hydrogen gas boiloff to a lighter-than-air craft to regulate buoyancy of the lighter-than-air craft. The intermediate tank is also configured to provide the hydrogen gas boiloff to a hydrogen fuel cell coupled to the lighter-than-air craft.

Abstract: Leveraging a turboexpander to provide additional functionality in compressed gas fueled systems is disclosed. The system includes a compressed gas storage device storing a compressed gas at a first pressure. A turboexpander operably coupled with the compressed gas storage device, the turboexpander comprising a turbine coupled with a drive shaft, the turboexpander to maintain the compressed gas below a threshold temperature limit as it controllably expands the compressed gas from the first pressure to the second pressure via an amount of work obtained from a rotation of the turbine and the drive shaft. A compressed gas receiving device to receive the compressed gas at the second pressure from the turboexpander and generate an amount of electrical energy from the compressed gas.

Abstract: Method and system for managing hydrogen fuel in hydrogen fuel cell-powered aircraft is disclosed. The method identifies unused hydrogen fuel in a fuel tank of the aircraft. Determines an amount of the unused hydrogen fuel in the fuel tank of the aircraft. Transfers the amount of the unused hydrogen fuel from the fuel tank of the aircraft into a hydrogen fuel cell of the aircraft and converts the amount of the unused hydrogen fuel into electricity via the hydrogen fuel cell of the aircraft.

Abstract: A system that allows using a fuel cell air compressor for cabin pressurization, cabin heat, and wing de-icing. One of the fuel cell's primary components, the compressor produces the pressure necessary to operate. The operating pressure is much higher than necessary for cabin pressurization so bleed air can be used for this purpose. Compressing air requires a lot of energy, and much of that energy is transferred into the air being compressed. This warm, compressed air could then be used to heat up the passenger cabin. Similarly the warm compressed air produced from the fuel cell compressor can be used to inflate the pouches on the leading edges of the wings to remove ice in the event of extreme weather. A control system is provided to operate each individual system. These systems will require control over multiple lines and valves, and will be registering feedback from pressure sensors mounted at each point. The onboard computer system will monitor user inputs and control outputs corresponding to each system.