(Keynote) A High Performance Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell for Unmanned Autonomous Systems

Abstract

Currently, the flying ability for small autonomous unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) is limited by both power and energy. We have selected, developed and examined several cutting-edge power and energy technologies to power sUAS. Currently, sUAS are powered by small engine generators that generate lots of noise and pollutants or advanced batteries – which cannot sustain a long endurance operations. Additionally, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells still have the same technical constraints, the source of hydrogen, as it did many years ago. We have examined and believe the operational capabilities of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology can power an sUAS. A propane fueled high power density tubular SOFC has been developed for autonomous UAS. A self-sustaining miniature tubular SOFC stack provides a unique high power and high energy density for UAS. A tubular SOFC stack has been evaluated and tested, and its performance meets the requirements for a sUAS system. The SOFC has great potential for commercial and civilian applications, ranging from small scale systems (e.g. small unmanned air vehicle, wireless sensor networks) to large scale system (e.g. electric vehicle, wireless sensor networks, electric vehicles).