Evaluation of an Integrated Fuel Cell-PV Panel System as a Hybrid UAV Powerplant

Abstract

A model study was conducted to investigate the integration of a hybrid, fuel cell-PV panel power system for a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A hybrid power system is proposed as a substitute to the existing batteries to enhance the endurance of such systems. A UAV with wing area equivalent solar panel and 900Ah proton exchange membrane fuel cell, with stored pressurised hydrogen, is modeled. Maximum take-off weight of 100 N was used to make the UAV man-portable. The flight performance was simulated using available and calculated data. Aerodynamic analysis was conducted and the wing and tail geometries were determined to house the PV panels. The corresponding required power was then established from the drag and weight values. Measurements were made for the maximum required power for endurance. The results showed favorable increase in a small UAV’s flight performance when an integrated hybrid fuel cell-PV panel system is used. An endurance increment of 2384 seconds was achieved using a hybrid, fuel cell-PV panel, power system when compared to fuel cell only power system. The research proved the effectiveness of using fuel cell-PV panel hybrid system as a small UAV power plant. It also highlighted the effectiveness of using renewable sources to increase the endurance of a small UAV.