Hydrogen Fuel Cell Prototype Drone
Hydrogen fuel cells are the perfect solution for a clean and efficient energy source to power drones. Our hydrogen-powered drones provide clean, efficient DC power from only hydrogen and ambient air, with zero emissions. With a higher energy-to-mass ratio than traditional battery systems, hydrogen fuel cells can provide drones with over three times the flight endurance, allowing you to maximize productivity, minimize downtime and achieve more in a single drone flight.
Hydrogen cylinders are quick to refuel or swap out, and size can be specified for particular flight times and payload capacities, providing more value to the customer. Additionally, hydrogen fuel cells operate just as efficiently on a cold winter night as on a warm sunny summer day, making it optimal for places that would be too cold for battery-powered drones.
Our startup, H2 Robotics, is a student-led company operating through the University of California, Santa Barbara's New Venture Competition (NVC). Our products' focus is on target markets which include offshore inspection, extreme-environment search and rescue, aerial photography, topography, and precision agriculture as our main sources of clientele.
My aspects of the project involve leading the process of designing of the drone, determining the required materials and mechatronics-based components, and assisting in conducting market validation research.
Background
Design Concepts:
As one of the student co-founders, I manage the engineering processes of a small team developing a manufacturable prototype that mounts a hydrogen fuel-cell mini tank and battery onto a carbon-fiber cut quad copter drone.
From Concept to Fabrication
As a Student Co-Founder and Project Manager at H2 Robotics for the UCSB New Venture Competition (NVC), I led a team of three student engineers in designing an innovative Hydrogen Fuel-Cell powered drone.
My primary responsibility was to mentor and direct the team of engineers throughout the design process, ensuring the successful development of the Hydrogen Fuel-Cell powered drone. Additionally, I consulted with manufacturers and aerospace engineers to gather constructive criticism on the designs.
To fulfill these responsibilities, I provided guidance and support to the team, leveraging my expertise to facilitate the design and development process. I actively sought feedback from industry professionals to identify areas for improvement and implemented corrective action procedures to enhance Design for Manufacturability (DFM) efficiency.
Fabrication
Assembly
