H3 Dynamics North America has unveiled an insightful article focusing on the H2FIELD-1, a portable hydrogen refueling station, and its benefits for both commercial and military drone operations.
The H2FIELD-1,developed by H3 Dynamics,is a compact trailer unit designed for on-site hydrogen production. This innovation is especially crucial in the realm of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs),as hydrogen-powered drones can achieve flight durations that are 3 to 30 times longer than thier battery-operated counterparts.
While battery limitations are well-known, access to hydrogen poses a similar challenge.
Drone operators and manufacturers transitioning from batteries to hydrogen fuel cells often ask, “Where can I source hydrogen?” This issue is exacerbated by the fact that many industrial drone operations take place in remote locations. For the frist time, the H2FIELD-1 addresses this concern by providing a self-sufficient hydrogen production solution directly at the operational site.
The H2FIELD-1 serves as a pivotal advancement in the hydrogen sector for unmanned systems. This user-friendly portable hydrogen station allows for the automatic filling of small UAV hydrogen storage tanks: simply insert an empty tank, and a full one is ready in under 15 minutes.
- Hydrogen is generated by utilizing electricity from the vehicle or an external power source to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
- An onboard compressor pressurizes and transfers the gas to the drone’s storage cylinder housed within the trailer.
- Depending on its configuration, a hydrogen-powered UAS can achieve flight times up to ten times longer than those using batteries alone.
Evolution of the H2FIELD-1
Initially, the H2FIELD-1 was conceived for defense, public safety, and security applications, as these sectors have established and advanced UAS programs.
Hydrogen-powered UAVs offer the stealth and endurance necessary for tactical drones engaged in ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) missions. The H2FIELD-1 effectively resolves the challenge of producing hydrogen in remote locations, far from urban infrastructure, without any interruptions.
This hydrogen station operates as an automated, turnkey system that requires minimal user intervention once activated. Moreover, the H2FIELD-1 can also store hydrogen for various small power applications, including generators, lighting, communication devices, and satellite systems.
Commercial Advantages
The H2FIELD-1 is perfectly positioned to support hydrogen-powered drones in extensive mapping operations, particularly in mining and large agricultural areas that require prolonged coverage. The demand for such technology is already evident in mining operations, some of which span areas comparable to small nations.
The on-demand hydrogen production capabilities of the H2FIELD-1 significantly reduce the time required for inspection drones to survey vast, remote territories.
“The feedback from both defense and commercial sectors has been overwhelmingly positive. We are witnessing a strong demand from the defense industry, especially as hydrogen drones begin to feature in various programs. We anticipate that the commercial sector will follow suit as we lead the transition from battery-powered UAVs to hydrogen, one manufacturer at a time.” – Jarat Ford, H3 Dynamics
H3 Dynamics is also developing a liquid hydrogen variant of the H2FIELD-1, which could enhance flight endurance by an additional 30 times compared to battery systems.
The H3 Dynamics team will be present at Xponential 2023. Discover more >>
