Time-of-Flight Innovation: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power Packs and Their Humane Use

Hydrogen fuel cell power packs are an innovative technology with four to five times the energy density of conventional batteries.

 

This makes it possible to extend the flight time of the drone up to 2 hours.

As a result, the reach of humanitarian assistance has been expanded, including the transportation of masks and emergency supplies from the mainland United States to the Virgin Islands;

Also, it is now possible to transport medical AEDs from mainland Korea to Jeju Island and Mt. Halla, the highest mountain in Korea.

Power packs and DC/DC converters for wide variations in output voltage

This hydrogen fuel cell power pack contains two mains power distribution networks (PDNs).

 

The main power PDN powers the drone's rotors and an intelligent controller that controls the two fuel cell stacks.

The power pack has a wide range of output voltages from 40 to 74V and is required to cover this wide input voltage range.

In addition, it is essential to reduce the size and weight of the power supply part of the drone.

 

Vicor's DC/DC converters are suitable for solving these problems because of their small size and high power density.

Vicor powertrain provides precise voltage regulation, 48V/12A for rotor motors,

And the fuel cell stack control board and fan are reliably supplied with 12V/8A.

Vicor's highly efficient power conversion components

To maximize PDN efficiency and energy density,

Employs Vicor's PRM™ buck-boost regulator and ZVS buck regulator.

 

The PRM accepts up to 74V open circuit voltage (OCV) from the hydrogen fuel cell stack and regulates it to 48V.

The PDN, which powers the rotor, consists of two PRM buck-boost regulators (PRM48AF480T400A00) connected in parallel to provide the required 12A.

The PDN for the digital control board in the fuel cell stack also uses a low power PRM (PRM48AH480T200A00) in series with a 48V to 12V ZVS buck regulator (P/N: PI3546-00-LGIZ). .

These highly efficient power conversion components allow the power pack to operate effectively over a wide voltage range, helping drones fly longer.

 

 

PI3546 buck regulator

Input Voltage: 48V (36 – 60V)

Output voltage: 12V (2.2 – 14V)

Related product

PRM buck-boost regulator

Input Voltage: 48V (36 – 75V)

Output Voltage: 48V (5 – 55V)

Output current: Max 600W

Efficiency: up to 97%

22.0 x 16.5 x 6.73mm others

ZVS buck regulator

Input Voltage: 12V (8 – 18V), 24V (8 – 42V), 48V (30 – 60V)

Output Voltage: 2.2 – 16V

Output Current: Max 22A

Peak efficiency: up to 98%

10.0 x 10.0 x 2.56mm others

ZVS buck-boost regulator

Input Voltage: 8-60V

Output Voltage: 10-54V

Output current: Max 150W (continuous)

Efficiency: >98%

10.5 x 14.5 x 3.05mm