Team members from HyFlux, the AMRC and IAAPS who are working on the Supercool project Swansea-based clean technology specialist
HyFlux has announced a collaboration with the
University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to develop a pioneering cryogenic cooling system for hydrogen-electric aircraft. The £1.5 million project, dubbed ‘Supercool’, aims to deliver lightweight, high-efficiency cooling essential for superconducting motor operation in zero-emission propulsion systems.
HyFlux will lead the project, taking responsibility for delivery, system architecture, and commercial strategy. The AMRC will provide engineering validation and integration expertise, while the
Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS) at the University of Bath will supply the test infrastructure required to qualify the cooling system’s performance under realistic hydrogen conditions. The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme is contributing £1.1 million in funding, with the remainder financed by HyFlux as the lead partner.
Paul Perera, chief executive officer and co-founder of HyFlux, commented: “This project marks a critical step forward in realising our vision for zero-emission propulsion. By bringing together cutting-edge IP from Victoria University of Wellington and world-class engineering in the UK, we are creating a powerful innovation platform for clean aviation.”
James Hunt, project lead at the University of Sheffield AMRC, added: “We have been working with the team at HyFlux for a number of months seeking to address some of the challenges around propulsion systems for future aircraft, and this funding from the ATI provides the validation that the technology is a credible route to decarbonising aircraft. The team that Paul has assembled is quite formidable and we look forward to contributing to the AMRC’s capability in design, simulation and manufacturing expertise.”
Cryogenic cooling systemThe Supercool project targets one of the key technical challenges in hydrogen-electric propulsion: maintaining superconducting motors and power electronics at operating temperatures as low as minus 240°C. The partners will design, manufacture and test a cryogenic cooling system capable of sustaining these conditions. Novel heat exchanger designs will be developed, with computational fluid dynamics employed to optimise system efficiency.
The IAAPS facility at the
University of Bath, recognised globally for its liquid hydrogen (LH
2) test infrastructure, will be used for ground-based validation of the cooling system. This advanced capability is expected to play a crucial role in de-risking the technology ahead of future flight demonstrations.
Sam Akehurst, IAAPS research director, said: “We are proud to be working alongside HyFlux on this high-impact initiative. Supercool exemplifies how UK-led partnerships can translate scientific research into commercially viable solutions for global ‘net zero’ aviation.”
The project has also attracted support from local and national stakeholders. MP Sadik AI Hassan said: “I firmly believe investment in future fuels like hydrogen are needed now and at pace so we can reap the benefits of a ‘greener’ future. It is great to see companies like HyFlux, led by North Somerset resident Paul, pushing UK innovation and establishing our place as a world leader.”
Supercool strengthens HyFlux’s growing portfolio of propulsion technologies and supports its broader roadmap to decarbonise both aerospace and maritime transport through scalable hydrogen-electric systems.