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Evaluation of a fuel cell system designed for unmanned aerial vehicles

Author

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  • Santos, Diogo F.M.
  • Ferreira, Rui B.
  • Falcão, D.S.
  • Pinto, A.M.F.R.

Abstract

A commercial fuel cell system designed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is studied. The system presents a rated power of about 258 W and a maximum efficiency of 47%. Energy lost due to the unreacted hydrogen (lost during purging and short-circuit) is a major contributor to the lower efficiency obtained at low power outputs (<80 W). For higher power outputs, heat generation represents the major loss. Purge duration increases with power to regulate water content in the cell. Temperature control, performed by the air supplying fans, is only active above 200 W. Below this value the temperature reached poses less risk of drying the fuel cell stack membranes. The system includes a battery that supplies additional power. It provides power when the fuel cell stack matches its voltage and it is recharged at 1 A. The performance of the system is also evaluated using real flight data.

Suggested Citation

  • Santos, Diogo F.M. & Ferreira, Rui B. & Falcão, D.S. & Pinto, A.M.F.R., 2022. "Evaluation of a fuel cell system designed for unmanned aerial vehicles," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:253:y:2022:i:c:s0360544222010027
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2022.124099
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Li, Li & Wang, Hongkang & Bei, Shaoyi & Li, Yuanjiang & Sun, Yanyun & Zheng, Keqing & Xu, Qiang, 2023. "Unsymmetrical design and operation in counter-flow microfluidic fuel cell: A prospective study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 262(PB).
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    5. Weng, Fang-Bor & Dlamini, Mangaliso Menzi & Tirumalasetti, Pandu Ranga & Hwang, Jenn-Jiang, 2024. "Experimental evaluation of flow field design on open-cathode proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) short stack consisting of three cells," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).
    6. Chang, Huawei & Cai, Fengyang & Yu, Xianxian & Duan, Chen & Chan, Siew Hwa & Tu, Zhengkai, 2023. "Experimental study on the thermal management of an open-cathode air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack with ultra-thin metal bipolar plates," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 263(PA).
    7. Yu, Zhongshuai & Liu, Fang & Li, Chengzhang, 2023. "Numerical study on effects of hydrogen ejector on PEMFC performances," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 285(C).
    8. Rahmani, Ebrahim & Moradi, Tofigh & Ghandehariun, Samane & Naterer, Greg F. & Ranjbar, Amirhossein, 2023. "Enhanced mass transfer and water discharge in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with a raccoon channel flow field," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).

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