Unmanned Predator Drones to Run on Fuel Cells
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), made famous by their use in Afghanistan may soon be flying using alternative energy fuel cells. Used mainly in situations too dangerous for soldiers or manned aircraft, UAVs have become an integral part of the military’s overseas missions. A pilot program run by the Naval Research Laboratory is developing a new type of UAV that would be able to travel farther and carry more by utilizing emerging fuel cell technology.
The Ion Tiger uses a hydrogen-powered fuel cell, which means it emits zero emissions, very little heat and noise (both military and environmental benefits). Using technology pioneered by the automotive industry, principal investigator Dr. Karen Swider-Lyons explains:
With UAVs, we are dealing with relatively small fuel cells of 500 watts. It is hard to get custom, high-quality fuel cell membranes built just for this program. So we are riding along with this push for technology from the automotive industry
Hydrogen based fuel cells create electrical currents by converting hydrogen and oxygen into water. This means that the Ion Tiger’s propulsion system could run at potentially twice the efficiency of current UAV internal combustion engines for longer periods of time.
Pursuing energy efficiency and energy independence are core to ONR’s [Office of Naval Research] Power and Energy Focus Area,” said Rear Admiral Nevin Carr, Chief of Naval Research. “ONR’s investments in alternative energy sources, like fuel cell research, have application to the Navy and Marine Corps mission in future UAVs and vehicles. These investments also contribute directly to solving some of the same technology challenges faced at the national level.
While President Obama is probably not thinking of new UAV technology when he refers to the energy revolution needed to avoid future conflicts over oil and the impacts of global warming, every little bit helps.
Photo: U.S. Air Force
