The Characterisation of a PEM Fuel-Cell System with a Focus on UAS Applications

Under DSTO’s Strategic Research Initiative on Signatures, Materials, and Energy, a project entitled “Hybrid-Propulsion and Power-Management Technologies for Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)” is underway. Fuel cells have been identified as having the potential to substantially increase the range and endurance of small, electrically-powered fixed-wing aircraft. Herein described are experiments conducted on a Hy-Expert Instructor Fuel Cell System, aimed at developing fundamental knowledge of polymer-electrolyte membrane fuelcell characteristics and the methodology used to characterise fuel-cell systems. Given the focus of future work, emphasis was placed on issues relevant to UAS applications.