Solid Oxide Fuel Cell UAV Record Flight

[nschoeps]

All,

Below is a link to a press release discussing Adaptive Material Inc. flying a 4lb plane powered by a solid oxide fuel cell for 4hrs 19min. I'm one of several engineers here who've spent the past year developing this UAV-Fuel Cell platform. These forums have been invaluable to us, especially regarding construction, AV, and autopilot systems. Although we can't discuss many details at this time, I wanted to extend our thanks to the RC community.

Regards,
Nick Schoeps
Adaptive Materials Inc.

http://www.adaptivematerials.com/news_details.php?nid=28

[ps2727]

Nick that is fascinating! I had no idea the technology had progressed so far.
Thanks for letting us know.
Paul

[kd7ost]

Very Nice Nick,

Can you provide any broad details?

1. Can the cell be re-filled / re-used?
2. Does it burn the fuel for energy or is a chemical process?
3. Does the cell give out energy in voltage?


Thanks if you can answer these simple questions.

Oh, is their stock available.

Dan

[nschoeps]

Sure Dan,

The cell can be re-supplied many times, and uses comercially availiable fuel tanks, it uses this fuel to warm the fuel cell and to create a potential across the cell (voltage) which runs a 400 size motor/gearbox/esc.

Nick

[sodman12]

may i ask how much fuel you used.

not do downplay your achievement but there was a similar UAV that flew for over 1800 miles on one gallon of the camping fuel.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=557552&page=2
Heres a link to where they were talking about it.


Im not trying to hijack the thread just wondering what differences or advantages your system has over this one?

[lvspark]

Congratulations on your achievements!

[CrashingDutchman]

You said you can't go to much into detail, but can you reveal anything about the size/weight of the fuel cell compared to the lipo technology we are using now?

[rob10000]

They have TONS of information at their webpage.
Here's the link to the .pdf about their fuel cells.
right click, and save (http://www.adaptivematerials.com/documents/e20e50.pdf)

It says that Lithium batteries have 160 (w-hr/kg), and the soild oxide fuel cells have 1260 (w-hr/kg)

Plus, if you google "solid oxide fuel cell" you wil find much information.

Sodman12, there is NO comparison.

[mnfiero]

I'm not sure if this has anything to do with it:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20060829/sc_space/planefliesonpoweroffivelightbulbs

[sodman12]

Sodman12, there is NO comparison.


How so?

[nschoeps]

Sodman,
There have been some amazing achievements using light IC equipped UAV's. At the current state of technology, they beat fuel cells hands down when you get into aircraft that weigh 10lbs+. Once you step below that line, IC engines generally aren't efficient enough for very long durations. Our customer is the armed forces, and they're looking for the smallest lightest craft availiable with the greatest payload capability. As many of you are aware, flying electric has other benifits, such as lower noise levels, power for payloads and sensors, etc. In the next year as fuel cell UAV's mature, you'll likely see a craft half the weight achieve flights beyond that of "The spirit of Butts Farm".

CrashingDutchman, I'll get back to you if possible.

Nick

[avianaut]

nschoeps, are these units available to the general public, or only for gov't/military? Can you give some idea of what they cost?

Congrats on the flight!

Cheers.

[sodman12]

Sodman,
There have been some amazing achievements using light IC equipped UAV's. At the current state of technology, they beat fuel cells hands down when you get into aircraft that weigh 10lbs+. Once you step below that line, IC engines generally aren't efficient enough for very long durations. Our customer is the armed forces, and they're looking for the smallest lightest craft availiable with the greatest payload capability. As many of you are aware, flying electric has other benifits, such as lower noise levels, power for payloads and sensors, etc. In the next year as fuel cell UAV's mature, you'll likely see a craft half the weight achieve flights beyond that of "The spirit of Butts Farm".

CrashingDutchman, I'll get back to you if possible.

Nick

Thanks for the information. I forgot that fuel cells dont emitt noise, i guess thats a huge deal when your in a war zone.

Anyways congratulations