Long Life, High Power Density UAV Employing Advanced PEM Energy Storage

Using established processing methods, Foster-Miller will further development of its most promising ion conducting polymer candidate by synthesizing control ICPs by direct sulfonation as well as appropriate precursors. The control ICPs will be fabricatedto exhibit the required combination of properties, most importantly a high ionic conductivity (~0.1 S/cm at 25¿C). The control ICPs will be modified to simultaneously improve their long-term stability and decrease water content, while maintaining theoriginal conductivity. In concert with our fuel cell system consultant, we will assess the feasibility of this technology for use in UAV platforms (UAV energy storage systems include H2/O2 fuel cells and electrolyzers). Specifically, we will lay out theUAV energy storage system envisioned for Phase II, using membrane data to project fuel cell/electrolyzer performance curves. During Phase II, we will complete the development of the low-cost, high temperature microporous PEM using the ICPs optimized inPhase I. This approach will address the serious problems (excessive cost, limited power/energy density, and water management issues) limiting the use of current PEM fuel cells in all-electric based UAVs. By operating at higher temperatures, the proposedUAV-ESS will have much improved power density with the added benefit of significantly lower overall cost. (p00385)