EnergyOr Technologies Inc., a developer of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems for aerospace applications, has announced that it has demonstrated the world’s longest multirotor drone flight in real-world operating conditions. The company’s H2Quad 400 drone flew for over two hours while recording 4K video, using a 3-axis stabilizing gimbal to control the camera. This demonstration was performed to further emphasize the significant potential of EnergyOr’s fuel cell systems to dramatically increase multirotor UAV flight endurance, thereby enabling countless new applications for this type of aircraft.
EnergyOr’s CEO, Michel Bitton, stated: “The H2Quad 400 performed beyond our expectations and the success of this demonstration not only gives confidence to move forward with commercialization, but to also develop larger multirotor platforms with even greater payload capacity.” He continued by saying: “EnergyOr is proud to be the first and only company to demonstrate a practical, working fuel cell powered multirotor drone in a real-world operating environment.”
EnergyOr’s fuel cell systems are designed, built and tested to meet customers’ stringent requirements. Based on fuel cell system technology similar to the automotive industry, specific attention has been made to operation at ambient temperature extremes (high and low), high altitudes and in environments where significant airborne contaminants are present (e.g. dust).
The commercial market for multirotor drones used in civil applications is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years, with new uses being announced on a frequent basis. Current applications include parcel delivery, disaster response, hydro and rail line inspections, flare stack inspections, precision agriculture, search and rescue missions and film production, just to name a few. Battery powered multirotor UAVs have very limited flight times due to the relatively low specific energy (Watt-hours/kg) of existing rechargeable battery technologies.
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