Dalian University of Technology has developed China's first 20-kilogram class hydrogen-powered unmanned helicopter. The research team, led by Associate Professor Mao Qing from the School of Chemical Engineering, implemented both pure hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen-lithium hybrid power systems.
The project introduces two models equipped with 35MPa hydrogen tanks. The 5-liter hybrid version offers a flight duration of 1.5 hours, while the 12-liter pure fuel cell version extends flight time to 3 hours. These figures significantly outperform traditional lithium-battery drones, which typically fly for about 30 minutes.
The team developed an air-cooled fuel cell system capable of operating under harsh conditions, including high humidity and salt spray. The self-developed membrane electrode achieves a peak power density of 732mW per square centimeter at 0.6V, with a stack mass power density of 1.4 kW per kilogram.
The drone successfully completed patrol missions in force 6 gale conditions at sea. The integrated control module manages system diagnostics and flight stability, making the aircraft suitable for urban inspections, maritime operations, and mountain surveys.
