Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Fuel Cells for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies in Aviation

Part of the book series: Sustainable Aviation ((SA))

  • 1219 Accesses

Abstract

Fuel cells (FCs) are clean and green power sources. The reported FCs in vehicle applications include three types: (1) hydrogen FCs, (2) methanol FCs, and (3) solid oxide FCs. In terms of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications, using the hydrogen FCs to achieve the power supply is the easiest and most commonly used scheme. In addition, the methanol and solid oxide FCs also have their special applications as major or auxiliary power sources in UAVs. This chapter focuses on the related technologies and crucial issues of the commonly used FCs in UAV applications. The discussions include the simplified working principles and analyses of the above three types of FCs, onboard hydrogen fuel storage styles, auxiliary or complementary power sources, topologies and power control of FC hybrid power systems, and crucial issues of current FC technologies. At last, conclusions and future breakthrough directions are given, which would be very useful for developing novel and high-performance FC power systems for UAVs.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. A. S. Saeed, A. B. Younes, C. Cai, and G. Cai, “A survey of hybrid Unmanned Aerial Vehicles,” Progress in Aerospace Sciences, vol. 98, pp. 91–105, 2018. 04/01/2018.

    Google Scholar 

  2. M. N. Boukoberine, Z. Zhou, and M. Benbouzid, “A critical review on unmanned aerial vehicles power supply and energy management: Solutions, strategies, and prospects,” Applied Energy, vol. 255, p. 113823, 2019. 12/01/2019.

    Google Scholar 

  3. B. Wang et al., “Current technologies and challenges of applying fuel cell hybrid propulsion systems in unmanned aerial vehicles,” Progress in Aerospace Sciences, vol. 116, p. 100620, 2020. 07/01/2020.

    Google Scholar 

  4. C. De Wagter et al., “The NederDrone: A hybrid lift, hybrid energy hydrogen UAV,” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 46, no. 29, pp. 16003–16018, 2021. 04/26/2021.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Y. Xie, A. Savvarisal, A. Tsourdos, D. Zhang, and J. Gu, “Review of hybrid electric powered aircraft, its conceptual design and energy management methodologies,” Chinese Journal of Aeronautics, vol. 34, no. 4, pp. 432–450, 2021. 04/01/2021.

    Google Scholar 

  6. B. J. Brelje and J. R. R. A. Martins, “Electric, hybrid, and turboelectric fixed-wing aircraft: A review of concepts, models, and design approaches,” Progress in Aerospace Sciences, vol. 104, pp. 1–19, 2019. 01/01/2019.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Z. Ji, J. Qin, K. Cheng, H. Liu, S. Zhang, and P. Dong, “Thermodynamic analysis of a solid oxide fuel cell jet hybrid engine for long-endurance unmanned air vehicles,” Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 183, pp. 50–64, 2019. 03/01/2019.

    Google Scholar 

  8. C. Y. Wong et al., “Additives in proton exchange membranes for low- and high-temperature fuel cell applications: A review,” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 44, no. 12, pp. 6116–6135, 2019. 03/01/2019.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Ó. González-Espasandín, T. J. Leo, M. A. Raso, and E. Navarro, “Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) and H2 proton exchange membrane fuel (PEMFC/H2) cell performance under atmospheric flight conditions of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles,” Renewable Energy, vol. 130, pp. 762–773, 2019. 01/01/2019.

    Google Scholar 

  10. J.-E. Seo et al., “Portable ammonia-borane-based H2 power-pack for unmanned aerial vehicles,” Journal of Power Sources, vol. 254, pp. 329–337, 2014. 05/15/2014.

    Google Scholar 

  11. S.-M. Kwon, M. J. Kim, S. Kang, and T. Kim, “Development of a high-storage-density hydrogen generator using solid-state NaBH4 as a hydrogen source for unmanned aerial vehicles,” Applied Energy, vol. 251, p. 113331, 2019. 10/01/2019.

    Google Scholar 

  12. B. Lee, S. Kwon, P. Park, and K. Kim, “Active power management system for an unmanned aerial vehicle powered by solar cells, a fuel cell, and batteries,” Aerospace & Electronic Systems IEEE Transactions on, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 3167–3177, 2014.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. H. Rezk, A. M. Nassef, M. A. Abdelkareem, A. H. Alami, and A. Fathy, “Comparison among various energy management strategies for reducing hydrogen consumption in a hybrid fuel cell/supercapacitor/battery system,” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 46, no. 8, pp. 6110–6126, 2021. 01/29/2021.

    Google Scholar 

  14. B. G. Gang and S. Kwon, “Design of an energy management technique for high endurance unmanned aerial vehicles powered by fuel and solar cell systems,” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 43, no. 20, pp. 9787–9796, 2018. 05/17/2018.

    Google Scholar 

  15. T. Chu et al., “Performance degradation and process engineering of the 10 kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack,” Energy, vol. 219, p. 119623, 2021. 03/15/2021.

    Google Scholar 

  16. R. O. Stroman, M. W. Schuette, K. Swider-Lyons, J. A. Rodgers, and D. J. Edwards, “Liquid hydrogen fuel system design and demonstration in a small long endurance air vehicle,” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 39, no. 21, pp. 11279–11290, 2014. 07/15/2014.

    Google Scholar 

  17. W. Sun et al., “Improving cell performance and alleviating performance degradation by constructing a novel structure of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of DMFCs,” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 44, no. 60, pp. 32231–32239, 2019. 12/06/2019.

    Google Scholar 

  18. J. Lee, S. Lee, D. Han, G. Gwak, and H. Ju, “Numerical modeling and simulations of active direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) systems under various ambient temperatures and operating conditions,” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 42, no. 3, pp. 1736–1750, 2017. 01/19/2017.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Y. Zhao et al., “Recent progress on solid oxide fuel cell: Lowering temperature and utilizing non-hydrogen fuels,” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 38, no. 36, pp. 16498–16517, 2013. 12/13/2013.

    Google Scholar 

  20. A. Gong and D. Verstraete, “Fuel cell propulsion in small fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles: Current status and research needs,” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 42, no. 33, pp. 21311–21333, 2017. 08/17/2017.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Z. Ji, M. M. Rokni, J. Qin, S. Zhang, and P. Dong, “Performance and size optimization of the turbine-less engine integrated solid oxide fuel cells on unmanned aerial vehicles with long endurance,” Applied Energy, vol. 299, p. 117301, 2021. 10/01/2021.

    Google Scholar 

  22. A. Baroutaji, T. Wilberforce, M. Ramadan, and A. G. Olabi, “Comprehensive investigation on hydrogen and fuel cell technology in the aviation and aerospace sectors,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 106, pp. 31–40, 2019. 05/01/2019.

    Google Scholar 

  23. H. Barthelemy, M. Weber, and F. Barbier, “Hydrogen storage: Recent improvements and industrial perspectives,” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 42, no. 11, pp. 7254–7262, 2017. 03/16/2017.

    Google Scholar 

  24. O. Z. Sharaf and M. F. Orhan, “An overview of fuel cell technology: Fundamentals and applications,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 32, pp. 810–853, 2014. 04/01/2014.

    Google Scholar 

  25. S. Wu et al., “A review of modified metal bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cells,” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 46, no. 12, pp. 8672–8701, 2021. 02/16/2021.

    Google Scholar 

  26. N. Li, X. Liu, B. Yu, L. Li, J. Xu, and Q. Tan, “Study on the environmental adaptability of lithium-ion battery powered UAV under extreme temperature conditions,” Energy, vol. 219, p. 119481, 2021. 03/15/2021.

    Google Scholar 

  27. E. Özbek, G. Yalin, S. Ekici, and T. H. Karakoc, “Evaluation of design methodology, limitations, and iterations of a hydrogen fuelled hybrid fuel cell mini UAV,” Energy, vol. 213, p. 118757, 2020. 12/15/2020.

    Google Scholar 

  28. A. Nishizawa, J. Kallo, O. Garrot, and J. Weiss-Ungethüm, “Fuel cell and Li-ion battery direct hybridization system for aircraft applications,” Journal of Power Sources, vol. 222, pp. 294–300, 2013. 01/15/2013.

    Google Scholar 

  29. D. Verstraete, A. Gong, D. D. C. Lu, and J. L. Palmer, “Experimental investigation of the role of the battery in the AeroStack hybrid, fuel-cell-based propulsion system for small unmanned aircraft systems,” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 40, no. 3, pp. 1598–1606, 2015. 01/21/2015.

    Google Scholar 

  30. M. Dudek, P. Tomczyk, P. Wygonik, M. Korkosz, and B. Lis, “Hybrid Fuel Cell—Battery System as a Main Power Unit for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV),” International journal of electrochemical science, vol. 8, no. 6, pp. 8442–8463, 2013.

    Google Scholar 

  31. D. Verstraete, K. Lehmkuehler, A. Gong, J. R. Harvey, G. Brian, and J. L. Palmer, “Characterisation of a hybrid, fuel-cell-based propulsion system for small unmanned aircraft,” Journal of Power Sources, vol. 250, pp. 204–211, 2014. 03/15/2014.

    Google Scholar 

  32. B. Wang, C. Wang, Q. Hu, L. Zhang, and Z. Wang, “Modeling the dynamic self-discharge effects of supercapacitors using a controlled current source based ladder equivalent circuit,” Journal of Energy Storage, vol. 30, p. 101473, 2020. 08/01/2020.

    Google Scholar 

  33. S. N. Motapon, L. A. Dessaint, and K. Al-Haddad, “A Comparative Study of Energy Management Schemes for a Fuel-Cell Hybrid Emergency Power System of More-Electric Aircraft,” IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, vol. 61, no. 3, pp. 1320–1334, 2013.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. A. Gong, R. Macneill, D. Verstraete, and J. L. Palmer, “Analysis of a Fuel-Cell/Battery/Supercapacitor Hybrid Propulsion System for a UAV using a Hardware-in-the-Loop Flight Simulator,” in 2018 AIAA/IEEE Electric Aircraft Technologies Symposium, 2018.

    Google Scholar 

  35. S. Wang, D. Ma, M. Yang, L. Zhang, and G. Li, “Flight strategy optimization for high-altitude long-endurance solar-powered aircraft based on Gauss pseudo-spectral method,” Chinese Journal of Aeronautics, vol. 32, no. 10, pp. 2286–2298, 2019. 10/01/2019.

    Google Scholar 

  36. B. Lee, P. Park, C. Kim, S. Yang, and S. Ahn, “Power managements of a hybrid electric propulsion system for UAVs,” Journal of Mechanical Science & Technology, vol. 26, no. 8, pp. 2291–2299, 2012.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

    Bin Wang

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand

    Dan Zhao

Authors
  1. Bin Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Dan Zhao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Dan Zhao .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey

    Can Ozgur Colpan

  2. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

    Ankica Kovač

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Wang, B., Zhao, D. (2022). Fuel Cells for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. In: Colpan, C.O., Kovač, A. (eds) Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies in Aviation. Sustainable Aviation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-99018-3_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-99018-3_3

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-99017-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-99018-3

  • eBook Packages: EnergyEnergy (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation