What added value does Viraj H2 want to provide compared to other fossil-free propulsions already being studied in the aviation sector? Joseph Risson: There are two main hydrogen drive technologies: direct combustion (turbopropeller / turbofan) and fuel cells. Our goal is to combine the advantages of each of the two technologies: the power density of the turboprop, and the efficiency of the fuel cell, in order to optimise the propulsion system according to the flight phases and mission. Further added value in this hybridisation comes from recovering the steam from the fuel cell and injecting it into the turbine. This will reduce NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions from the turboprop and will increase the efficiency and power density of the powertrain. What did ISAE-SUPAERO provide you with in terms of education and support in developing this project? J. R.: During my studies, I gained a lot of knowledge through the theoretical courses and the technical clubs enabled me to carry out technical projects, which is a real plus! From these different projects, which led to Viraj H2, we benefited from the Institute's research infrastructure. We received financial support from the BDE and the ISAE-SUPAERO Foundation to buy components. And now that we are developing our startup, we are being supported by InnovSpace, the Institute’s incubator, which hosts us and oversees our development. How will the Lopez-Loreta grant enable you to develop your innovation? J. R.: It gives us the means to move from a low-power prototype to a structured research and development phase with three partner laboratories: the Laplace laboratory (Plasma and Energy Conversion Laboratory), the IMFT (Institute of Fluid Mechanics in Toulouse), and ISAE-SUPAERO. We estimate that this maturing phase will last about four years. It will enable us to hire engineers and will result in two theses. The goal is to assess the benefits of this type of propulsion and develop the first prototypes. Joseph Risson, Student Engineer, Co-Founder of Viraj H2: ‘InnovSpace Hosts Us and Supports our Development’ Joseph Risson is in his 3rd year of the ISAE-SUPAERO Ingénieur programme in the field of ‘Fluid Dynamics’, with the ‘Aircraft Design and Operation’ specialisation. And he is already at the head of an innovative start-up! As someone passionate about aeromodelling and interested in the challenges facing tomorrow's world, he has already led several innovative projects aimed at the decarbonisation of aircraft during his programme; Viraj H2 is the latest. Supported by the Swiss Lopez-Loreta Foundation, Joseph and his partner Paul de Goÿs received €1 million in December 2023 to continue their research into this innovative propulsion system. Their startup Viraj H2 is hosted at InnovSpace, where Joseph spends his time. ISAE-SUPAERO • ANNUAL REPORT 2023 32 our ecosystems Our activities lead us, here and worldwide, to engage in interactions with researchers, students, academics, institutional, and industrial partners. Embodied by the Directorate of Advancement and Innovation, this desire to go further, to broaden the scope of possibilities, and to create new connections is part of our DNA. Through these exchanges and this emphasis on sharing, we grow. 33 ISAE-SUPAERO • ANNUAL REPORT 2023
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