With the growing adoption of hydrogen-powered drones for extended aerial missions,ensuring reliable and adaptable field refueling solutions has become increasingly vital. Cellen, a pioneer in hydrogen technology for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), presents a suite of refueling options specifically designed for drone operations.
The conventional hydrogen supply infrastructure often falls short in meeting the practical demands of UAV missions, especially in remote locations, under stringent time constraints, or in the absence of established support systems.
Four Tailored Hydrogen Refueling Solutions for Commercial UAVs
Cellen has introduced four distinct hydrogen refueling methods aimed at accommodating various operational needs. Each solution is fully compatible with Cellen’s high-pressure composite hydrogen cylinders, which store gas at 350 bar (5,076 psi). these cylinders are crafted from lightweight, robust materials like carbon fiber and aluminum, available in sizes ranging from 5 to 12 liters.Each system prioritizes safety, portability, and efficiency.
1. Mobile Hydrogen Refueling Trailer
This trailer-based refueling unit is capable of generating, storing, and compressing hydrogen on-site. It can be towed by a standard pickup truck and features a compact electrolyzer that converts water into hydrogen. Integrated buffer tanks hold the produced hydrogen, while a built-in compressor fills drone cylinders to the necessary 350 bar pressure.
Power options include:
- 120V standard wall outlet
- 240V RV-style industrial connection
- Optional solar panel integration
This configuration ensures complete hydrogen independence, facilitating off-grid operations or field deployments without reliance on traditional fuel infrastructure.
2. On-Site Refueling with Ultra-High-Pressure Cylinders
This approach employs commonly available industrial hydrogen cylinders rated up to 6,000 psi (415 bar). A pressure-regulated decanting system allows for direct transfer into Cellen’s 350 bar UAV cylinders without the need for a compressor or electrical power.
Benefits include:
- Rapid deployment
- No moving parts
- Utilizes existing commercial gas supply networks
This option is ideal for operators seeking a streamlined, low-maintenance solution.
3. On-Site Refueling with Standalone Compressor
For locations where only 2,000 psi hydrogen tanks are accessible, a standalone compressor is available to elevate pressure to 350 bar for drone applications. This setup empowers operators to manage the entire refueling process without depending on ultra-high-pressure deliveries.
Key features include:
- Compatibility with standard 2,000 psi hydrogen cylinders
- Portable compressor connects directly to Cellen cylinders
- Suitable for both mobile and fixed-site applications
4. On-Demand Hydrogen Refueling Service
Cellen also provides a hydrogen refueling service tailored for UAVs, removing the need for on-site gas management.
How the service operates:
- Empty Cellen cylinders are sent to a certified refueling facility
- Cylinders are refilled to 350 bar
- Refilled cylinders are returned,ready for field use
Backed by hazardous materials shipping certification,this service is currently available in Houston,Texas,with plans for broader U.S. expansion.
Seamless Integration with the Cellen Ecosystem
All refueling solutions are designed to work seamlessly with Cellen’s hydrogen-powered UAV systems and cylinders. No retrofitting or custom connectors are necessary. The cylinders are fully interchangeable, allowing for continuous operation in the field—one cylinder can power a drone while others are being refueled, significantly reducing downtime.
These capabilities are tailored to support operators engaged in extended missions, whether managing a small team or scaling operations across multiple locations.
Commitment to Safety and Operational Excellence
All components within Cellen’s refueling ecosystem are sourced from reputable suppliers specializing in industrial gas systems. Regulators, compressors, and fittings are selected for their performance in high-pressure hydrogen environments. Each component adheres to established industry safety standards and is accompanied by technical documentation for effective UAV integration.
Extensive training is provided to support each refueling method, covering compressor operation, decanting procedures, and electrolyzer functionality. Additional resources and assistance are available to help customers navigate licensing and transportation regulations for hydrogen cylinders, with regulatory support tailored to local jurisdictions as needed.
Facilitating Scalable, Long-Endurance UAV Operations
Cellen’s hydrogen refueling solutions are not merely supplementary features; they are integral components of a comprehensive hydrogen UAV ecosystem. These solutions effectively address the logistical challenges associated with long-endurance drone operations, enabling reliable deployment across a diverse range of field environments.
