(Trøndheim / Norway) – Researchers at the Norwegian institute SINTEF have built a drone powered by hydrogen. It is lighter than a battery-powered drone and has a greater range, making it ideal for emergency situations.
The fuel cell drone during a test flight outside Trondheim. © SINTEF
“If you need to check whether, for example, a tree has fallen onto a power line in a difficult-to-access area, this should be done as quickly as possible,” says Federico Zenith, senior research scientist at SINTEF. “Currently, you often have to use a helicopter for this”—which is particularly risky in bad weather. Furthermore, current battery-powered drones cannot inspect power lines because their range is too short. A hydrogen-powered drone, on the other hand, could be deployed immediately and quickly help restore power.
Rescue missions and cartography
Search and rescue missions would also be suitable for deployment. Furthermore, they could be used to map large areas, monitor natural hazards such as landslides and avalanches, or, in the case of widespread snow cover, create forecasts for potential flooding during thaws.
The hydrogen and drone researchers at SINTEF, however, say they do not intend to replace all battery-powered drones. "They are practical for many things," says Zenith. "Our goal is to solve the tasks that today's drones cannot handle."
SINTEF is now looking for partners to make the drone weatherproof and winterproof. © SINTEF
However, there are some hurdles. For example, a separate official permit is required to convert battery-powered drones to fuel cell propulsion. Therefore, the researchers shortened the process and designed and built their own drone. "The only hydrogen drone currently flying in Norway is ours," says Zenith. "As far as we know, it's also the only one in Scandinavia."
The SINTEF researcher points out that hydrogen is safer for refueling drones. Gasoline-powered drones, on the other hand, require a lot of maintenance and don't have a long lifespan. The engines often need to be replaced. "A fuel cell runs for at least a thousand hours."
Funders sought for further research
Zenith cites making the aircraft weatherproof and winter-proof as one of its "most important remaining tasks." They are currently seeking funding and project partners for this endeavor. "The fuel cell we have should, in principle, only be used at temperatures above freezing and when it's not raining. This means that it can't be used on too many days here in the Trøndelag region."
The US company Heven AeroTech is also researching and working on hydrogen-powered aircraft. DronesThe arguments are similar: greater reach and logistical independence. The US Army is an interested party and potential customer.
Photo above
Federico Zenith with the drone built in the SINTEF laboratory. © SINTEF
