News / News Bulletin

Fuel cell technology boosts drone flight

Wednesday, 30 March 2016 7:09 AM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 30 March 2016 7:08 AM ]

Intelligent Energy's hydrogen-powered drones can be airborne for about a couple of hours. A typical drone using battery can fly only for up to 20 minutes. © Intelligent Energy

A UK-based power technology company has revealed a modified drone, which is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.

The company suggests that the hydrogen-powered drone can stay airborne for up to two hours. That’s six times more than the average drone flying time of 20 minutes.

Current drone batteries in the market can take between one and two hours for a full recharge. However, the hydrogen fuel cell can be refilled in a matter of minutes and the drone is good to take its flight again.

On top of the drone are two hydrogen fuel cell stacks fitted with fans to usher in oxygen, therefore prompting the chemical reaction. Underneath is a 350 milliliters hydrogen tank which can be changed in around a minute once depleted.

Experts say longer flight times and quicker refueling will open a wide range of possibilities for high-flying drone tech. Inspection, search and rescue, aerial photography, precision agriculture, and parcel delivery could all benefit.

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