The energy storage challenge at its
extreme: Making drones fly longer
Senior specialist Kristian O. Sylvester-Hvid
Nano og Micro Technology Production
Email: [email protected]
Kristian O. Sylvester-Hvid
01.12.2016
01.12.2016
What we never thought possible, became
cheap toys thanks to LiPo batteries
3g
Voltage: 3,7 V
Capacity: 100mAh
Continuous discharge 25C
Power: 9.25W for 2.4 min
Kristian O. Sylvester-Hvid
01.12.2016
It is said that drones is a disruptive
technology!
Layman's definition of disruption:
- That everybody has an uncle,
whose sister can see a business
case in 5 minutes based on the
technology!
But, but, but….
There is at least one ingredient
missing in the soup, to make the
disruption unfold, namely
RANGE
Kristian O. Sylvester-Hvid
01.12.2016
So what is a drone and what are the key
performance parameters?
Drones
An airborne sensor hotel, i.e. a vibration free, temperature controlled
flying sensor platform, providing the space and power needed for the
payload and sensor pack.
Key (commercial) performance parameters
Usability, safety, robustness and range
Range is the last and most difficult challenge
Energy is needed for propulsion, for running the sensor pack, for
thermal management of critical components, and possibly for the
payload
Kristian O. Sylvester-Hvid
01.12.2016
Many ways to stay airborne
o
Kristian O. Sylvester-Hvid
01.12.2016
Propulsion systems in use and their
typical efficiencies
Efficiency: Propulsion output per energy equivalent
Conventional propeller run by electric motor (0.9 *0.8 = 0.7)
Conventional propeller run by internal combustion (0.2 *0.8 = 0.16)
Jet engines also using carbon fuels – the efficiency depends on speed and
altitude. Not suited for low-altitude, low-speed drones
Kristian O. Sylvester-Hvid
01.12.2016
Power/energy sources realistically
available to drones
Kristian O. Sylvester-Hvid
01.12.2016
A battery/fuel-cell hybrid system
Fuel tank
Air flow
motor
Kristian O. Sylvester-Hvid
ESC
Fuel Cell
Stack
Power
control unit
Air flow + exhaust
Battery
01.12.2016
Viable energy sources for drones
1 MJ= 0.28 kWh
Kristian O. Sylvester-Hvid
01.12.2016
Our overall (drone) mission
Short term
To provide affordable fuel-cell power units for small civil
fixed-wing drone systems enabling up to 8 hours flight time.
Medium term
+24-hour flight time for small fixed-wing drones
Long term
Fuel-cell system allowing extended flight time or increased
payload for small multirotor drones.
Kristian O. Sylvester-Hvid
01.12.2016
Come see the Hydrone project after the
talks, and have a talk about light-weight
energy storage systems
Kristian O. Sylvester-Hvid
01.12.2016