H3 Dynamics, an aerospace hydrogen fuel cell systems designer and XSun, an international manufacturer of solar- electric unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are revealing a tactical collaboration to develop worlds first solar-hydrogen-electric UAS.Both based in France, XSun and H3 Dynamics are beginning their collaboration to establish an unique tri- brid solar, hydrogen and battery power system, utilizing a smart power management option that enhances the airplanes readily available energy at all times.
While the sun is readily available, ultra-thin wing-integrated solar PV cells contribute power to the general power system, batteries offer peak power during take- off, and a miniaturised hydrogen fuel cell system provides the primary cruise power.
As on-board micro-grid system, the special power system will allow record endurance for heavier UAS (VTOL, STOL or HTOL) able to browse at lower altitudes.In 2020, XSun released a first generation fixed wing drone with a special dual solar wing design, weiging an overall of 29kg with a payload capacity of 4kg.
Called SolarXone, XSuns solar electric UAV can producing approximately 400W from its solar wings, attaining a ultra-quiet electrical flight endurance of up to 12 hours, covering distances of 600km.
Taras Wankewycz, CEO H3 Dynamics stated: harnessing solar energy on the aircraft can include brand-new fuel performances to a hybrid electrical fuel cell system, leading to increased flight durations while conserving area and weight.
We are thrilled to deal with XSun to improve its item innovation and efficiency upgrades.Benjamin DAVID, CEO XSun mentioned: Hydrogen is the ideal complementary energy source of solar and batteries.
Dealing with hybrid system is entirely in line with our ICARE program (ANR), with the objective to take the very best of all 3 world, depending upon the platform, the objective stage, the payload, the weather, and so on.
It provides performance, silence, 0 CO2 and ground autonomy.
H3Dynamics is the best partner to use to the market the most innovative end-to-end system (logistics, transport, security) from ground operations to the flying platform.H3 Dynamics specialises in aerospace and defense platforms varying from small UAS to big scale airplane.
It has actually developed hydrogen-electric fuel cell systems for the past 15 years, both small-size air-cooled mini systems and larger liquid cooled systems, accomplishing the very best power to weight criteria and fuel performances on the planet.
The business recently announced the start of an international manufacturing center in Toulouse (France), at the heart of among the worlds leading aerospace eco-systems.
As part of its next generation system line-up, XSun will be using a full option eco-system to XSun customers in Europe, United States, Australia and the Gulf area.
This includes a solar hydrogen UAS and a mobile hydrogen refueling system produced by H3 Dynamics, which can be deployed on-site at the point of operations.
Called H2-Field, the on-site hydrogen production and refueling system for fuel cell UAS is presently being field checked by the United States Army.Source: H3 Dynamics