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Hydrogen-powered UAVs: Breaking the Endurance Barrier in the Industry
Release time:
2025-07-31
Hydrogen-powered UAVs utilize hydrogen fuel cells to efficiently convert the chemical energy of hydrogen into electricity, thereby powering flight. Compared to traditional lithium battery-powered drones, hydrogen offers 3-5 times higher energy density, 5-10 times longer endurance, and superior low-temperature performance.
The propulsion systems of hydrogen-powered UAVs can be categorized into fuel cell systems and internal combustion engine systems based on energy conversion methods. Hydrogen can undergo electrochemical reactions in fuel cells to generate electricity and directly drive motors, or it can be combusted to produce high-temperature, high-pressure gas to power turbines or piston engines. Some hydrogen-powered UAVs adopt hybrid systems, using hydrogen as the primary energy source while supplementing with other energy sources (e.g., lithium batteries to compensate for the slow response of fuel cells).
Currently, hydrogen-powered UAVs are compatible with various wing structures. However, due to the large volume of hydrogen storage tanks, their payload capacity is somewhat limited in multirotor UAVs, making them better suited for fixed-wing and hybrid-wing configurations.
Hydrogen-powered UAVs typically use fully wrapped composite high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks with working pressures ranging from 35 to 70 MPa, posing certain safety risks. Therefore, filling, transportation, and maintenance must strictly comply with national standards and operational procedures, requiring trained professionals. As the industry matures and scales up, costs for hydrogen fuel cells, storage tanks, and refueling are expected to decrease, further enhancing the cost-effectiveness of hydrogen-powered UAVs.
With significant advantages in endurance and low-temperature performance, hydrogen-powered UAVs are already commercially viable at current price levels, with clear potential for further cost reductions. This will likely accelerate their adoption in traditional UAV markets. However, due to the inherent risks of high-pressure hydrogen storage (35-70 MPa), their applications remain somewhat limited.
Currently, hydrogen-powered UAVs excel in military, industrial, and emergency response scenarios, positioning them as the preferred choice for these fields. The military sector holds the greatest potential, as it allows for more flexible hydrogen storage standards and has higher tolerance for costly technologies, effectively driving R&D advancements in hydrogen-powered UAVs.
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