Hybrid Propulsion Systems

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Hybrid Propulsion Systems: Real-world, megawatt-class testing

Our Hybrid Propulsion Systems capability supports the development, integration and validation of future propulsion systems where performance, operating environment and system integration are critical. By bringing together thermal, cryogenic, electrical, environmental and altitude testing capability under one roof, Nottingham can help partners test advanced propulsion systems in representative conditions – from hybrid and ammonia-based systems through to cryogenic, superconducting, hyperconducting and high-power electric propulsion technologies. The Hybrid Propulsion Systems Building supports work from component-level development through to integrated system testing, helping partners reduce technical risk before committing to full demonstrator or field trials.

300mm thick reinforced concrete floors (15 kPa) supported by 15-metre deep foundations to handle heavy multi-megawatt machinery
Direct 5MW electrical supply integrated with the PEMC, providing the overhead required for next-generation system loads and high-power electrical machines and drives
Cryogenic integration through specialised systems cooling devices to -253°C, facilitating the development of hyperconducting and superconducting motor drives
Thermal and acoustical insulation in the facility

The facility is divided into specialised cells designed to support industries operating in the most demanding environments, from high-altitude aerospace to commercial marine propulsion.

Aerial view of the 5MW dynamometer, showing the motor and test article location_1

Cryogenic cell and 5MW instrumented dynamometer

Here we target higher power density motor drives and higher efficiency electrical propulsion through ultra-cold energy exploitation, pushing the boundaries of superconducting and hyperconducting technologies.

Cryogenic loop: Delivering 2kW of cooling at 20K via circulating helium gas. This system emulates aircraft cooling loops for superconducting and hyperconducting machines
High power: A 5MW dynamometer designed for the most demanding aerospace, heavy-duty automotive, and high-power electrical machines and drives testing, supported by power supply panels for controllable AC/DC power
Integrated hybrid architecture: Direct wall ports allow for electrical connection between fuel cells in the ELSA chambers and motors in the cryogenic test cell, enabling full powertrain validation and complete component-to-system integration

CAD representation of the TITANZ engine located on a test bed

Thermal cell capabilities

Focused on piston engines and thermal development, this ATEX-compliant cell allows for the rigorous evaluation of zero-carbon alternative fuel systems under extreme loads.

TITANZ Engine: The UK’s first true-scale single-cylinder marine engine (Ø170mm bore). It features an interchangeable top end for fundamental combustion studies
Fuel flexibility: Dedicated infrastructure for ammonia, hydrogen, methane, and bio-hydrocarbon fuel systems. Our ammonia cracker enables on-site hydrogen generation or ammonia-hydrogen blending for rapid fuel-switching trials
Capacity and redundancy: Two dynamometers (300kW and 500kW) backed by a 950kW cooling water system and a 100-bar hydrogen supply, ensuring the facility can scale with your programme
Safety: High-volume airflow ventilation prevents flammable atmospheres, with sensors linked to automated shutdown protocols, allowing for aggressive limit-testing of new fuel injectors, alternative fuels, and combustion chamber designs

ELSA environmental chambers located in the HPS test cell_1

ELSA: Electrical Systems at High Altitude Research Facility

A facility with the unique capability to test hydrogen fuel cells at altitude.

Environmental and altitude testing: Coupled temperature and pressure altitude simulation, providing representative conditions for both aerospace and high-altitude land applications. LN2 injection enables rapid cool down and a strong floor allows rigs and equipment up to 8 tonnes to be installed in the chambers
Conditioned feed air supply: Individually conditioned air handling simulates ram-air, turbocharging, and icing effects. This is critical for building the safety case for flying testbeds without the cost of early-stage flight testing