Unmanned Systems Technology 004 | Delair-Tech DT18 | Autopilots | Rotron RT600 | Unmanned surface vehicles | AMRC | Motion control | Batteries

Hydrogen storage technology company Cella Energy is developing a fuel cell system to power UAVs using a new source of solid hydrogen that could double or even triple flight times. Fuel cells generate electricity from fuels such as hydrogen or methane, and can provide higher energy densities than existing lithium-ion batteries. Cella, based in Didcot near Oxford, UK, is working with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) on the project, which is funded by Space Florida, the State of Florida’s aerospace and spaceport development authority, and MATIMOP, Israel’s industrial centre for r&d. Cella will develop and evaluate the fuel cell power system for IAI’s BirdEye mini UAV, and said the doubling or so of the UAV’s flight duration is measured against a battery of equivalent weight. One problem with fuel cells is delivering the fuel safely, so Cella has developed a plastic-like hydrogen storage material that can be pressed and shaped into any form. When heated above 100 C, the hydrogen is released within minutes, and each gramme stores about a litre of hydrogen gas. IAI is Israel’s largest aerospace company, and also builds business jets. The fuel cell is intended for the 11 kg BirdEye 650 platform, which has a wingspan of 3 m, an endurance of 3 hours and a range of 20-50 km using lithium-ion batteries. Solid boost for flight times Fuel cells Cella’s technology is intended for the IAI’s BirdEye 650