Hydrogen fuel vehicles failed to gain popularity, but they could potentially power the next generation of long-range drones.

      Hydrogen power has yet to gain traction in the automotive industry, but it may soon find its place in the world of drones. Researchers in Norway have developed a heavy-lift drone powered by hydrogen, replacing batteries with a fuel cell to address the range limitations that usually confine commercial drones.

      This prototype, created by the Scandinavian research institute SINTEF, aims to fulfill tasks where battery-operated drones struggle. Consider scenarios like inspecting remote power lines after storms or searching for missing hikers in adverse weather conditions. Senior research scientist Federico Zenith explains that the intention isn’t to replace hobby drones; rather, it's to undertake missions that current drones cannot accomplish.

      Why fuel cells surpass batteries and gas

      Rather than starting from scratch, the SINTEF team modified an existing heavy battery-operated model by integrating a fuel cell and hydrogen tank. Zenith describes this conversion as simple, providing a way for operators to upgrade their current equipment instead of purchasing entirely new systems.

      Drone testing at SINTEF

      At present, their prototype is a unique sight; according to Zenith, it is the only hydrogen drone currently airborne in Norway and, to their knowledge, the sole one in all of Scandinavia. This makes the institute an unusual test case for assessing what hydrogen can achieve in terms of flight duration.

      Additionally, fuel cells outperform gas-powered alternatives. Conventional engines require frequent replacements and substantial upkeep, while a fuel cell, according to Zenith, can run for at least a thousand hours and is simpler to replace once it begins to degrade.

      Where hydrogen drones are most beneficial

      Extended flight times create opportunities for critical tasks. The SINTEF team envisions the hydrogen prototype conducting power line inspections after storms—a job that now frequently necessitates a helicopter. When a tree falls on a power line during inclement weather, deploying a crew can be hazardous. A hydrogen drone could be launched immediately, facilitating faster power restoration.

      SINTEF

      Search and rescue operations represent another promising application. The same range that enables a drone to follow power lines also allows it to cover large areas in search of a lost hiker. The researchers also highlight potential uses in mapping, monitoring snowpack for flood predictions, and observing landslide activity.

      The financial dynamics shift as well. Zenith acknowledges that fuel cells are still costly, but when compared to the expense of staffing a helicopter for similar missions, the drone presents a more economical alternative. This financial rationale might finally allow hydrogen to gain the foothold it has missed in the passenger vehicle market.

      Future prospects for hydrogen flight

      Although the hydrogen drone has taken flight, it’s not yet ready for the harsh Norwegian winter. The fuel cell in the prototype is designed for above-freezing temperatures and dry conditions, limiting its operability in Trondelag county, where there are currently few days suitable for flying.

      Weatherproofing the drone is the next crucial step. The SINTEF team is actively seeking funding and collaborators to address this challenge, aspiring to determine how long they can keep a drone airborne in genuine northern weather conditions, rather than just in a controlled environment.

      The potential is evident. If they can overcome the weather challenges, hydrogen drones could quietly assume roles that are too distant, perilous, or costly for helicopters and battery-operated systems. The technology that stalled on the roads may finally discover its role in the skies.