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AUVSI: Aeropak fuel cell technology boosts UAV endurance
Horizon Energy Systems of Singapore has brought its production ready Aeropak fuel cell power system to AUVSI's Unmanned Systems North America. According to Jogjaman Jap, manager - international business development, the Aeropak can increase the endurance of mini UAVs by up to 300 percent.
'The Aeropak is no longer a proof of concept, a bench-top demonstrator, or a one-off working prototype,' Gareth Tang, Horizon Energy Systems' managing director stated.
The Aeropak utilises a proprietary chemical hydride based hydrogen generator to provide 900Wh of usable energy within a 2kg package. The Aeropak can provide 200w of continuous power and comes with optional hybrid batteries.
The forward part of the Aeropak consists of the fuel cell and batteries with the back portion being the replaceable cartridge that holds the one litre of water that is the fuel for the system. 'Our technology means that soldiers will no longer need to carry batteries and a recharger', Jap told Unmanned Vehicles. 'All they will need are the light weight cartridges and water, which they would be carrying anyway,' he added.
'We're continuing to improve the design but Aeropak has been functional for the last year or so,' Jap states. Horizon Energy Systems is working with a number of UAV manufacturers to integrate the Aeropak. The first to announce a relationship is IAI, which has integrated the Aeropak with its Bird Eye 650.
According to Horizon Energy Systems, the Aeropak has extended the endurance of the BE650 by more than 200 percent. 'Manufacturers recognise the importance of this technology and are working with us so that they don't fall behind in what they can offer,' Jap states.
The company is also working on scaling up the technology for the 40 to 65 kg class UAS. 'We are developing a larger fuel cell for these aircraft, but the good thing is that it isn't a linear progression if you want to scale up to the likes of a 2kw system,' states Jap.
By Darren Lake, Denver
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