Work

Modeling and experimental testing of a UAV liquid hydrogen propulsion set

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper, an analytical model of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) propulsion system using liquid hydrogen to supply a fuel cell is presented. The article also describes experimental tests of the performance of a liquid hydrogen ( LH 2 ) tank at different ambient temperatures and ground tests of the UAV propulsion system using LH 2 . These tests were used to validate and calibrate the analytical model. The model is of reduced order and is based on the literature. Despite the simplicity of the model, the tank Boil-Off Gas (BOG) rate and pressure drop, the time for complete evaporation of LH 2 , the fuel cell performance , and the coolest temperature that the hydrogen can reach, were predicted with deviations not exceeding 0.3%, 0.5%, 2.2%, 0.6%, and 0.5% respectively. The final proposed model allows the incorporation of different conditions, materials, and geometries to suit each mission, all at low operational cost.

Source: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.09.283

Authors: Sofia Mertika, Joshua Schimpf, Seo Young Kim, Jean-Marc Moschetta, Christophe Turpin

Institutions: Institut Supérieur de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace (ISAE-SUPAERO), Laboratoire Plasma et Conversion d'Energie, ISAE-SUPAERO Recherche

Language: English

Topic: Spacecraft and Cryogenic Technologies

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400