High-efficiency Power Supply for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, UAVs, are becoming increasingly important for the military and commercial sectors. They allow the user to access areas that are high risk or where manned aircraft is costly. Small UAVs used for surveillance of battlespace, must have a short response time and be capable of long duration flights while providing the necessary data to aid military personnel. For accurate response the UAV must provide still and video images and location while being portable and simple to operate. This calls for a properly equipped UAV with a power supply that exhibits high mass and volumetric energy densities. A Flatstack™ fuel cell / battery hybrid power supply that is integrated into the wing structure along with a chemical hydride energy storage systems offers the highest energy density option. This system will allow a small UAV to fly long duration missions, >12 hours, before refueling. Current battery technology is only capable of 2 hours of flight time and must be recharged. Developing this novel hybrid power system for small UAVs will provide a critical tool with which airmen can maintain battlespace awareness and ensure force protection.