Green Aero Core

• Aviation and marine propulsion are responsible for 50% CO2 emissions from transport. Marine propulsion emits large amounts of sulphur dioxide because of its dependence on low grade bunker fuel. These sectors are hard to decarbonize using batteries because of low energy density of 250 Whr/kg. It requires 10 times higher density which is not possible even in the future. We propose the development of low-cost green hydrogen-based gas turbines to decarbonize these sectors. Additionally, India is completely dependent on imports for aero propulsion requirements in  sector. They are a key requirement in the fast-growing field of heavy drones used in military and civilian sectors. It is important to localize the R&D and manufacturing of such engines to achieve self-reliance. The import of fossil fuels leads to an expenditure and supply chain problem for the country. The switch to green hydrogen will not only address environmental degradation but also help the economy.

We are developing green hydrogen based gas turbines to decarbonize aviation and shipping. We have demonstrated the capability to design engines from ground up using a first principles approach. Hydrogen burns at a higher temperature leading to high NOx formation.  Our unique combustor design (patent application in process) enables a stable flame at significantly lower temperatures.  This product can not only utilize green hydrogen, but also work with liquid/fossil fuels. We are also working on recuperative gas turbine cycles. Gas turbine  applications include aero engines, heavy drones, helicopters, marine propulsion, tanks, power backup. Currently this technology is not available locally and always imported at high costs. In summary, our product will help localize gas turbine technology for aviation, shipping and drone applications and also enable the use of green hydrogen for heavy transport.

1. Air Quality Improvement: By minimizing sulfur and CO2 emissions, the solution contributes to improved air quality. This positively affects the health and well-being of people residing in areas near airports, ports, and shipping routes, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and other health-related problems associated with air pollution.

2. Climate Change Mitigation: The reduction of CO2 emissions aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change. By lessening the environmental impact of aviation and shipping activities, the solution plays a crucial role in preserving the planet for current and future generations.

3. Community Health: Communities located in proximity to transportation hubs often bear the brunt of air pollution. The solution indirectly benefits these communities by creating a cleaner and healthier living environment, reducing the negative health effects linked to prolonged exposure to pollutants.

4. Socioeconomic Impact: A shift towards cleaner propulsion systems can contribute to sustainable development and economic growth. It fosters a more responsible and environmentally friendly approach within the aviation and shipping industries, positively influencing the socioeconomic landscape for individuals and communities.

The CEO was previously a permanent research scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, where he worked closely and was funded by NASA and supported by US Army and US Airforce to lead projects in propulsion technologies like jet engines and scramjets. He holds a PhD in Aerospace engineering and many years of research experience. He published 12 journal papers and 17 conference papers. He also worked extensively with industry to solve practical R&D problems. This includes GE, Rolls Royce, Pratt and Whitney, Navistar and Caterpillar. He also holds a US patent with Caterpillar. He won multiple awards from the US government. This includes “ImpactArgonne Award for notable achievement in program development, 2019”; “Outstanding Postdoctoral Performance award, 2018” , “Pacesetter Award – Argonne National Laboratory 2016”. He came back to India in 2021 to work in the startup ecosystem and served as the Associate Vice President at Euler Motors where he managed the thermal and battery development. He started Green Aero Propulsion in 2023 and is now working towards the development of India's first green hydrogen based aero engines and gas turbines.

We have built the injector which is being tested in IIT delhi facility. Also parallel tests for multiple components are ongoing at different labs across country 

One of the main hinderances of using hydrogen in aero engines is the high NOx emissions and flame flashback issues. Through extensive R&D, we are developing a unique, patented hydrogen combustor that enables a stable flame at low temperatures. This ensures stable hydrogen combustion with low NOx emissions. This is our unique selling point. Apart from this invention, we are developing a first of its kind recuperator for aero engines. The third patent focuses on a first of its kind booster cycle that will enable thermal efficiencies beyond 50%. This means that our engine is capable of matching high efficiencies. Currently, the entire focus of the climate tech industry is on hydrogen fuel cells. However, fuel cells require mining of platinum group metals, and their lifespan is about 14000 hours. Our product addresses all these challenges as gas turbines are robust industrial machines and uniquely positioned to disrupt this unsaturated market in the green hydrogen ecosystem.

One of the main hinderances of using hydrogen in aero engines is the high NOx emissions and flame flashback issues. Through extensive R&D, we are developing a unique, patented hydrogen combustor that enables a stable flame at low temperatures. This ensures stable hydrogen combustion with low NOx emissions. This is our unique selling point. Apart from this invention, we are developing a first of its kind recuperator for aero engines. The third patent focuses on a first of its kind booster cycle that will enable thermal efficiencies beyond 50%. This means that our engine is capable of matching high efficiencies. Currently, the entire focus of the climate tech industry is on hydrogen fuel cells. However, fuel cells require mining of platinum group metals, and their lifespan is about 14000 hours. Our product addresses all these challenges as gas turbines are robust industrial machines and uniquely positioned to disrupt this unsaturated market in the green hydrogen ecosystem.

Our target customers are in civil aviation, fishery and shipping industry. Aviation and shipping is under tremendous pressure to decarbonize. The battery and fuel cell options are not cost effective and durable. So, we intend to sell in these three markets. 

we shall be measuring impacts by calculating the tonnage of CO2 saved by usage of our products

We are developing 3 IPs: Low
temperature hydrogen combustor, recuperator and unique booster cycle for gas turbines. This will enable us to deliver green hydrogen-based propulsion at the highest efficiency in the world

•We are developing advanced propulsion systems through research and development 

We are investing in precision manufacturing

•We are also developing High Performance Computing based digital twins to accelerate our development

patent pending. Once patent is applied, we will share this

Full time workers:5

Consultants: 3

Part time:0(Sharing the workforce of IIT Delhi as they are our incubator)

Our founder has been working on this solution since 3 years.

The organization was incorporated in Aug 2023, i.e. 6 months back

We have very open and inclusive staffing and we are open to all caste, creed and genders.

After successful demonstration and validation of our first prototype engine, the X100; we intend to raise funding and build a small factory for small gas turbines. During this phase we intend to go from 10 employees to 100 employees. This will be one of the first gas turbine/aero engine factories in India. We will then be able to sell the X100 to the local ship builders like Garden Reach Shipbuilders,  Cochin Shipyard and global ferry manufacturers who intend to transition to green hydrogen. In aviation we intend to sell X100 to heavy drone applications like the Indian Army, Navy and Airforce and build collaborations with them during our incubation at IIT Delhi. We also intend to sell these engines to heavy drone manufacturers and urban air mobility clients. This includes Tata Advanced Systems, DRDO, HAL, Adani Defence, etc.