106 Show report | Commercial UAV Expo controlled by changing motor speed, Schwartz noted. “Because we know where the propeller is at all times with that encoder, we can accelerate and decelerate it so it tilts in the right direction.” Intelligent Energy presented its IE-SOAR range of hydrogen fuel-cell systems for UAS, rated at 800 W, 1.2 kW and 2.4 kW, with the largest integrated into a 25 kg Gryphon hexacopter. Designed as direct replacements for batteries, the systems offer greater endurance in anticipation of regulatory waivers, allowing routine BVLOS operations, said Andy Kelly at Intelligent Energy. “Using our fuel-cell technology, operators can fly their drones much further than batteries allow. This Gryphon typically flies for 20 minutes to half an hour on a battery, but 2-2.5 hours on a fuel cell.” The complete system consists of the fuel-cell stack itself, the 350 bar hydrogen gas tank, the pressure regulator that delivers the gas at 1 bar, flow-control valves with pipework and the fuel-cell management system. IE-SOAR modules connect in parallel with a small, high C-Rate battery that handles transient power demands exceeding the fuel-cell system’s rating. The fuel cell has enough margin to recharge the battery while delivering its full rated power, so the vehicle lands with a fully charged battery. Simplicity of operation is very important, Kelly added. “One button turns it on (and off); then it follows load demand just like a battery.” Nanomotion exhibited its Velox stabilised payloads based on its unique, ultra-responsive piezoelectric motor technology, developed for electro-optical sensors on UASs and other platforms. “We have packaged it into a complete payload that includes EOIR sensors capable of very high acceleration and velocity for rapid image acquisition, so we can capture six full fields of view per second. That allows us to create a matrix or panorama of images covering a very wide area and then zoom in on a selected local area,” said Alan Feinstein, who spoke to us on behalf of US-based Nanomation. “Also, the motor technology facilitates stabilisation at the level of 80 microradians, based on active gyro feedback and rapid response to disturbances. We have exceptional, stable image and clarity. This allows us to get away from mechanical zoom; just using a digital zoom without losing image quality.” Feinstein said the motors, which are very small and rectangular in shape, drive through friction contact between a ceramic tip and a ceramic surface, exploiting the principles of ultrasonic standing waves. “We vary the amplitude of the wave based on the applied voltage, so it works just like a velocity drive. The larger the voltage, the larger the amplitude, the faster the speed,” he explained. The same technology can be used for both linear and rotary drives. Volatus Aerospace’s exhibit was focused on the company’s developing position as a “comprehensive aerial solutions provider”, offering a wide range of UAV technologies and services across the oil and gas, energy utilities and infrastructure sectors. “We’d like to be the ‘easy button’ for our clients,” said Danielle Gagne, emphasising Volatus’ goal of integrating its technologies into a seamless ecosystem, encompassing equipment sales, services and solutions engineering, allowing clients to plug in at any stage without compatibility concerns. Volatus’ capabilities include advanced sensing, such as Lidar, magnetometry and methane gas detection, catering to client’s needs for high-end geomatics and monitoring solutions, especially in energy transmission and distribution. “For example, we do corona UV discharge detection to pinpoint faults on powerline components before they can be detected by the human eye,” Gagne explained. The company also highlighted key partnerships with international UAV manufacturers, such as ACSL from October/November 2024 | Uncrewed Systems Technology Coupled, 1.2 kW fuel-cell stacks rated at 2.4 kW from Intelligent Energy
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