Issues related to fuel cells application to small drones propulsion

Abstract

Application of different energy sources for electric engines used to drive small propeller drones with particular attention paid to Fuel Cells (FC) types has been discussed in this article. Short review of principles of work of chosen types of fuel cells as well as their performance dependent on the kind of chosen energy storing and supply method has been discussed. Requirements of FC drive of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) regarding to the hydrogen generating, storing and possibilities of fast refuelling have been presented. The example of contemporary solution of hydrogen FC system using compressed hydrogen storage which is common to many experimental and commercial small drones has been given.