Methanol fuel cell designed to extend drone flight up to 12 hours

Scientists have developed an efficient methanol-based fuel system that allows the drone to fly for 12 hours.

The main problem of modern drones workingfrom lithium-ion batteries, is a short maximum flight time. Even professional devices can last in the air for about half an hour. Therefore, researchers and engineers are looking for alternative power options for their systems.

A team of scientists from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics together with Feye UAV Technology created a prototypeunmanned aerial vehicle FY-36. Despite the mass of 15 kg and impressive dimensions, it is capable of speeds up to 90 mph and can fly continuously up to 12 hours. This is made possible thanks to its hybrid aerodynamic shape and specially designed fuel cell.

According to the team, the principle of operation of such a batterysimple enough. When colorless alcohol flows through the cells of an element, its molecules contact the catalyst and decompose into carbon dioxide and water. During this process, a huge amount of energy is released, which feeds the system.

It took scientists about 10 years toto develop an effective methanol-based device, and it took about two years to adapt it to UAVs. According to them, potentially methanol can store 70 times more energy than lithium-ion systems.

The FY-36 has already completed 15 test flights, but tests are still ongoing as the team wants to collect more data. However, early results are encouraging.

Feye UAV Technology expects afterAfter completing all checks, she will be able to commercialize the technology, and offer the hardy drones market at competitive prices. The test model was originally created for testing power lines, search and rescue operations, geological mapping, military intelligence and other tasks, where flight time is one of the key factors.

Let us remind you that Turkey will be the first country to adopt quadcopters with a machine gun.

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