Technical Paper
Integration of a Microtubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell into a Mini-UAV: Design and Simulation of Power System Architecture
2010-11-02
2010-01-1776
Mini UAVs in the ≺20 kg category are widely operated by military and civilian organizations, usually for surveillance purposes, and many are electrically powered for low acoustic and infra-red observability. Despite recent improvements in Lithium Polymer battery technology, endurance is still usually limited to around 1 hour for fixed wing vehicles. For operational reasons, it is desirable to increase endurance and fuel cells can provide the high energy density necessary to do this. Many examples of PEMFC (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell)-powered UAVs have been flown in recent years, all relying on a supply of hydrogen on board the UAV, giving the usual safety and weight concerns surrounding hydrogen storage.
