The NederDrone
A hybrid lift, hybrid energy hydrogen UAV
Christophe De Wagter (TU Delft - Control & Simulation)
B. D. W. Remes (TU Delft - Control & Simulation)
Ewoud Smeur (TU Delft - Control & Simulation)
F. van Tienen (TU Delft - Control & Simulation)
Rick Ruijsink (TU Delft - Control & Simulation)
K.G. van Hecke (TU Delft - Control & Simulation)
E. van der Horst (TU Delft - Control & Simulation)
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Abstract
Many Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) applications require vertical take-off and landing and very long-range capabilities. Fixed-wing aircraft need long runways to land, and electric energy is still a bottleneck for helicopters, which are not range efficient. In this paper, we introduce the NederDrone, a hybrid lift, hybrid energy hydrogen-powered UAV that can perform vertical take-off and landings using its 12 propellers while flying efficiently in forward flight thanks to its fixed wings. The energy is supplied from a combination of hydrogen-driven Polymer Electrolyte Membrane fuel-cells for endurance and lithium batteries for high-power situations. The hydrogen is stored in a pressurized cylinder around which the UAV is optimized. This work analyses the selection of the concept, the implemented safety elements, the electronics and flight control and shows flight data including a 3h38 flight at sea while starting and landing from a small moving ship.
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