Fuel cells for airborne usage: Energy storage comparison

摘要: Abstract The global drone market is growing every year. number of applications increasing: from search and rescue, security, surveillance to science research unmanned cargo systems. A limiting factor for exploitation that the energy storage, normally, a battery used this solution affects flight time. possible could be utilization fuel cells. This paper focuses on cells power as an alternative propulsion. aim study determine when it more appropriate, in terms mass, use or hybrid (fuel cell + battery) system drones. To compare different systems, numerical simulation model has been developed order choose best once operation profile defined. allows comparing type fuels data tune have taken commercial products, today already available. considers light-weight open-air cathode PEM (Polymer Exchange Membrane) cell. stack output chosen according mission rages 200 W 1000 W. presented results show that, considered segment, multirotor drones with weight 7 kg at take-off, lithium batteries are still choice time shorter than about 1 h. system, appears interesting longer flights. For example, calculated quadcopter mass 7 kg, considering requires 1089 Wh can powered 4.4 kg composed by 500 W 1.4 kg cell 1.9 kg hydrogen composite pressure vessel 0.8 kg battery. same amount stored 6.6 kg. These means saving 30%. term weight, even convenient profiles require energy.