Suppliers / Intelligent Energy Ltd

Compact Hydrogen and PEM Fuel Cells for Drones and UAV

United Kingdom
Visit Website
Saved
Save
 Contact
Capability OverviewCompany Products Articles Documents Locations Contact Visit Website
Intelligent Energy Ltd

Compact Hydrogen and PEM Fuel Cells for Drones and UAV

Charnwood Building, Holywell Park, Ashby Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3GB UK United Kingdom Regional Offices
Visit Website Contact

IE-SOAR fuel cell systems replace your battery and unlock long endurance flight

Intelligent Energy is a leading developer of PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell technology for drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our lightweight, power-dense UAV fuel cell modules allow customers to bypass the constraints of traditional battery technology, significantly extending drone flight times and ranges while producing clean DC power in a robust and lightweight package that can be refuelled in minutes.

Our IE-SOAR drone fuel cell power modules (FCPMs) are ideal for a wide range of professional commercial applications, including offshore inspection, search and rescue, aerial photography and mapping, precision agriculture and more.

  • Enable previously impossible applications – your business is no longer constrained by flight time.
  • Unlock BVLOS operations – BVLOS makes sense with the range provided by fuel cells.
  • Increase operational efficiency – spend 3x longer in the air and achieve more.

Jump down to learn more about our Fuel Cell Technology >

Fuel Cell Power Modules (FCPM)

Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Drones and UAVs

UAV Fuel Cell Power Module

Our Fuel Cell Power Modules (FCPMs) for UAVs provide clean, efficient DC power from only hydrogen and ambient air, with zero emissions. With a higher energy-to-mass ratio than traditional battery systems, hydrogen fuel cells can provide commercial UAVs with over three times the flight endurance, allowing you to maximise productivity, minimise downtime and achieve more in a single drone flight.

IE-SOAR benefits:

  • Direct battery replacement – 12S to 16S compatible – automatically follows load demand just like a battery.
  • Designed for safety and reliability – Single point failure tolerant and with built in power system redundancy.
  • Modular – combine systems in parallel for 2.4kW, 4.8kW outputs.

Fly Further | Fly Longer | Increase Productivity

Hydrogen cylinders are quick to refuel or swap out, and size can be specified for particular flight times and UAV payload capacities. Both FCPM and cylinder have multiple mounting possibilities, providing maximum flexibility for a variety of UAV airframes and missions. Custom cylinders can be commissioned for optimised flight time.

FCPMs are hybridised with a small battery, used to support the production of peak power and to provide redundancy. The system is vibration-free to prevent interference with drone cameras and other sensitive payloads.

Fuel cells vs. internal combustion engines

  • Clean & zero-emission.
  • Near silent operation.
  • Reduced maintenance & no moving parts. No tuning.
  • Vibration free for maximum stability.

Fuel cells vs. batteries

  • Increased flight time.
  • Fast refuelling.
  • Built in power system redundancy.

Lightweight UAV power module

Our FCPMs are available with 800W, 1.2kW and 2.4kW power outputs. Hydrogen fuel cells can be integrated into a variety of multi-rotor and fixed-wing UAV platforms, and can directly replace the existing battery in many drone applications.

Two 2.4kW power modules can also be linked in parallel to provide up to 4.8kW of power without the need for additional hardware. The FCPM provides continuous power to the UAV and is hybridised with a small battery to manage peak loads.

Specifications:

Drone Fuel Cell Power Module 1.2 kW Fuel Cell Module 800W Drone Fuel Cell Power Module
2.4 kW Fuel Cell Module 1.2 kW Fuel Cell Module 800W Fuel Cell Module
Maximum continuous power 2400W 1200W 800W
Maximum peak power 8000W 8000W 7500W
Output voltage (configurable between) 48-70V 48-70V 22-50V
FCPM mass 4800g 2700g 1450g
FCPM dimensions 128 x 430 x 233mm 128 × 246 × 233mm 210 × 105 × 105mm
195 × 90 × 40mm
Regulator mass 315g 315g 315g
Maximum regulator pressure 350 bar/5000 psi 350 bar/5000 psi 350 bar/5000 psi
Default battery mass 1070g 1070g 300g
Battery dimensions 120 x 35 x 45mm 135 × 40 × 40mm 120 × 35 × 40mm
Default battery capacity 3300mAh 3300mAh 1800mAh
Operating temperature range -5 to 40°C -5 to 40°C 5 to 40°C
Maximum altitude 3000m 3000m 3000m

Learn more: UAV Fuel Cell Power Modules (FCPM)

IE-FLIGHT Fuel Cell Systems

Hydrogen fuel cells for heavy-lift drones and UAM

Hydrogen fuel cell enabling zero-emission propulsion for heavy-lift drones and UAMWe have also developed a high-power fuel cell product line, designed to enable zero-emission flight for larger platforms such as heavy-lift cargo drones, eVTOL aircraft and UAM (urban air mobility) vehicles.

Providing outputs from 200kW up to multiple megawatts, the IE-FLIGHT range offers class-leading transient response as well as current and power densities. The advanced fuel cells feature a patented direct water injection cooling technology that requires no external humidification, as well as a high-temperature architecture that enables the use of smaller heat exchangers for a more compact design.

Learn more >> IE-FLIGHT Fuel Cell Systems

Drone Fuel Cell Technology

Fuel cells use electrochemical reactions to produce electricity without combustion. Hydrogen fuel cells combine hydrogen with oxygen from the air, emitting only heat and water as by-products. They are more efficient than internal combustion engines, and unlike batteries, do not need recharging and will continue to operate as long as they are provided with fuel.

PEM Fuel Cells

Fuel cell technology is both scalable and modular, providing the ability to simply stack cells together to achieve desired power output. PEM fuel cells, in which the electrolyte is a proton-conducting solid polymer membrane, feature the highest power densities, making them ideal for UAV applications where size, weight and power (SWaP) are often highly constrained.

Fuel Cell Stack Technology

Our drone fuel cells are air-cooled, with heat from the fuel cell stack conducted to cooling plates and removed through airflow channels, resulting in a simplified and cost-effective power solution.

Products

IE-FLIGHT F300 Fuel Cell

Hydrogen fuel cell enabling zero-emission propulsion for heavy-lift drones and UAM

IE-SOAR 1.2kW

A fuel cell power module that directly replaces a battery and gives much longer flight times

IE-SOAR 2.4kW

A fuel cell power module that directly replaces a battery and gives much longer flight times

IE-SOAR 800W Gen 2

A fuel cell power module that directly replaces a battery and gives much longer flight times

Documents
IE-SOARâ„¢ Fuel Cell Systems Brochure
IE-SOARâ„¢ 1.2kW Datasheet
IE-SOARâ„¢ 2.4kW Datasheet
IE-SOARâ„¢ 800W Datasheet
ISS Case Study - IE-SOAR 800W
Meta Vista Case Study - IE-SOAR 800W
Skycorp Case Study - IE-SOAR 800W

Articles

Latest
PEM Fuel Cells in Unmanned Systems: Q&A with Intelligent Energy

Tony Meadowcroft, Technical Lead for UAV products at Intelligent Energy, discusses the advantages and challenges of implementing PEM fuel cells in unmanned systems

Oct 22, 2024
The Potential of IE-FLIGHT PEM Fuel Cell Systems

Intelligent Energy explores the potential of its newly released IE-FLIGHTâ„¢ proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems to tackle the challenge of achieving zero-emission flight in drones

Aug 22, 2024
IE-FLIGHT Hydrogen Fuel Cell System for Aviation Unveiled

Intelligent Energy unveils the IE-FLIGHT family of products at FIA24, high-performance fuel cells specifically developed for aviation using the company’s patented high-temperature operation architecture

Jul 23, 2024
Intelligent Energy Fuel Cells Extend Flight Times in New UAS

The Intelligent Energy fuel-cell powered SKIRON-XLE weighs just 54 pounds and is easily transported in a standard truck or SUV and deployed by a two-person crew

Jul 09, 2024
Fuel Cell Powered Drones & Long-Endurance Flight

Intelligent Energy’s new case study looks at their collaboration with ISS Aerospace and the benefits of having fuel cells and hydrogen cylinders on UAVs, as well as alternative options

Jun 20, 2024
Intelligent Energy Answers: What is a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Stack

Specialists in fuel cell technology Intelligent Energy explore what sits at the heart of fuel cell stack technology and the applications it supports

Jun 04, 2024
Italy to Receive Delivery Drones in New Collaboration

Cargo parcel delivery drones are set to be delivered to Italy through Intelligent Energy’s partnership with H2C, aiming to realize new solutions to carry people and freight by drone

May 22, 2024
Innovative Fuel Cell Design Achieved Through Collaboration

Intelligent Energy is 'Powering the Hydrogen Future' with high-efficiency fuel cell innovations developed on Rescale

Jan 24, 2024
Fuel Cell Power for Commercial UAV

Intelligent Energy’s IE-SOAR fuel cell modules are a good alternative for commercial UAVs, being lower maintenance, quieter, and having lower vibration than IC engines

Dec 19, 2023
Intelligent Energy Discuss Hydrogen Fuel Cells with UST

Andy Kelly, Head of Product Line at Intelligent Energy discusses IE-SOARâ„¢ fuel cell modules and the benefits of hydrogen fuel cells to unmanned systems, including unlocking BVLOS operations and enabling UAVs to cover greater distances in a single flight

Jul 03, 2023
US Distributor Selected for IE-SOAR Fuel Cell

ESAero will represent the Intelligent Energy Limited IE-SOAR fuel cell product line on fixed wing, rotary wing and VTOL UAV applications in the US

May 09, 2023
Intelligent Energy Fuel Cells Selected for Shell Pipeline Inspection Drones

The IE-SOAR 2.4kW fuel cell system allowed Shell to conduct inspections with minimal impact to other aircraft and the surrounding community

Oct 21, 2022
Korean Manufacturing License Agreement Signed for Hydrogen Fuel Cells

UK fuel cell manufacturer Intelligent Energy (IE), and South Korean partner Hogreen Air have signed a manufacturing license agreement for hydrogen fuel cell manufacturing in South Korea

Jun 10, 2022
Intelligent Energy Selects New Southeast Asian Partner

Intelligent Energy (IE) has entered into an agreement with Powerzone H2 Technologies Pte Ltd, a manufacturer of power generator sets...

Sep 29, 2021
UK MoD Investigates Drone Fuel Cells

Intelligent Energy has confirmed that it will be participating in the first phase of a project funded by the UK...

Sep 15, 2021
Intelligent Energy Fuel Cells Excel in UAS First Responder Challenge

Intelligent Energy has achieved second place out of more than 40 global entrants in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National...

Aug 24, 2021
High-Pressure Valve Developed for UAV Hydrogen Transportation

Intelligent Energy has launched a new addition to its range of hydrogen fuel cell modules and accessories for unmanned aerial...

Feb 09, 2021
Fuel Cell Power Module Integrated into Long-Endurance Heavy Lift UAV

Intelligent Energy’s (IE) 2.4kW Fuel Cell Power Module (FCPM) has been integrated into ISS Aerospace’s heavy-lift fuel cell powered UAV...

Oct 10, 2020
Fuel Cell Modules Power US Army Electric VTOL UAV

Intelligent Energy’s 800W Fuel Cell Power Modules (FCPMs) will be integrated by aerospace and defense technology firm Zepher into a...

Jul 13, 2020
Intelligent Energy Selects New U.S. Distributor

Intelligent Energy has established an agreement with U.S.-based Parry Labs for the distribution of Intelligent Energy’s lightweight Fuel Cell Power...

Jul 04, 2020
Intelligent Energy Expands UAV Fuel Cell Distribution into Korea

Intelligent Energy has established an agreement with Korean drone technology developer Hogreen Air for the distribution of Intelligent Energy’s lightweight...

Jun 10, 2020
Intelligent Energy Selects New UAV Fuel Cell Integration Partner

Intelligent Energy has entered into a partnership with US-based UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) maintenance, repair, and overhaul services provider Robotic...

May 07, 2020
Intelligent Energy Drone Fuel Cells Distributed in Japan

Intelligent Energy has agreed a deal with UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) development company RoboDEX Inc. for the distribution of Intelligent’s...

Apr 17, 2020
Case Study: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powers Gas Detection UAV

Intelligent Energy, a developer of hydrogen fuel cell technologies for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones, has released a case...

Jan 24, 2020
An Introduction to Fuel Cells for UAVs

Intelligent Energy, a leading developer of PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell technologies for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), has released...

Nov 21, 2019
Intelligent Energy to Demonstrate Fuel Cell Integration on DJI Drone

Intelligent Energy, a developer of PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell technologies, has announced that the company plans to demonstrate...

Oct 15, 2019
Intelligent Energy Project Partner with ZeroAvia following £2.7m UK Grant

ZeroAvia a leading innovator in decarbonising commercial aviation, have announced a £2.7m UK Government Grant for the development of zero...

Sep 17, 2019
Intelligent Energy to Demo Drone Fuel Cell Power Modules in Japan

Intelligent Energy, a developer of lightweight fuel cell power modules for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has announced that it will...

Jul 15, 2019
Intelligent Energy Develops PEM Fuel Cell Technologies for UAVs

Intelligent Energy, a leading developer of PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell technologies for drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs),...

May 14, 2019
2.4kW Fuel Cell Power Module Developed for UAS

Intelligent Energy has announced that it has developed a 2.4kW fuel cell power product for the commercial UAV (unmanned aerial...

Apr 18, 2019
Regional Offices & Locations
Intelligent Energy Limited United Kingdom Charnwood Building, Holywell Park, Ashby Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3GB UK +44 (0)1509 271271 Contact Website