Here’s the challenge: developing a lightweight thermoplastic composite tank, resistant to the low temperature of liquid hydrogen. From design to production process: we are developing the expertise required for manufacturing lightweight fuel tanks.
Liquid hydrogen (LH2) is increasingly seen as a viable alternative fuel to meet our global sustainability goals in aviation and shipping. Furthermore, it would be a promising energy store for excess wind energy and solar energy. Currently, tanks are not able to sustain 100+ cycles and often made from metals – which is less weight efficient. Therefore, the development of weight efficient and long-life storage solutions able to maintain liquid hydrogen safely and efficiently at -253 °C, is crucial. The goal of this project is to present an advanced design and manufacturing concept, including a ‘proof a principle’ for future long-life, lightweight LH2 composite tanks.
This challenging project consists of several tasks:
Our SAM XL team will be focussing – within the consortium – on automation techniques, welding techniques and assembly of a LH2 tank demonstrator segment.
This project has received funding from the “Subsidieregeling R&D Mobiliteitssectoren (RDM)” by the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland.
As part of aviation industry’s efforts to become more sustainable, SAM XL is developing a revolutionary, intelligent production system for assembling the lower section of an aircraft fuselage.
The application of thermoplastic composites in aviation will be advanced by designing, producing and validating primary structures such as tail, wing and fuselage sections.
Robots need to learn to localize themselves and what is happening in their surroundings. This will enable them to operate more accurately and work together. SAM XL is developing a manufacturing testbed for post-production quality inspection, in combination with mobile manipulators.
Flexible and modular manufacturing of large components, that’s what PeneloPe is all about. A novel methodology, linking product-centric data management and production planning in a closed-loop digital pipeline.
This innovation hub helps businesses to go digital. It does this by developing digital solutions, training staff and fostering links between the business community and the education sector. The focus is on the manufacturing, port and maritime, and horticulture sectors.
The next generation of aircraft will need to reduce their CO₂ emissions in many areas. In this project, we are focusing on improving the leading edge of aircraft wings.
We are developing a new technology to bond different types of composites together. This hybrid technology bonds thermoplastic composites with thermosets. The aim is to make aircraft and other large structures lighter and more sustainable.
SAM XL is advancing new technologies for continuous ultrasonic welding and – together with partners – thermoforming of thermoplastic composites so they can be applied in industrial manufacturing of large, lightweight aircraft structures.