Wingcopter, a leading German delivery drone company, has partnered with the ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research GmbH to explore the use of green hydrogen as a potential power source for its electric drones. The partnership aims to produce a sustainable hydrogen-based propulsion system that will replace the current power source of Wingcopter’s 198 delivery drone. This would allow the drone to become even more powerful while remaining emission-free, enabling it to fly longer distances and for extended periods without producing any harmful emissions.
The goal of this collaboration is to develop a solution that fits seamlessly into Wingcopter’s current technical ecosystem while maintaining the drone’s characteristic flight capabilities. The modification project will take place at ZAL’s Fuel Cell Lab in Hamburg, where the company’s engineers previously achieved a flight duration of over two hours with the ZALbatros hydrogen drone. This was made possible by utilizing compressed gaseous hydrogen in combination with a fuel cell, similar to the methods that will be employed in the Wingcopter.
Wingcopter co-founder and CEO, Tom Plümmer, stated that they are thrilled about the collaboration and confident that together they can develop an even more efficient propulsion solution that benefits the environment. He added, “We have always wanted the Wingcopter to be able to fly even further. However, we categorically ruled out the installation of a conventional combustion engine right from the start with a view to the environment and climate change. We are happy to now explore technical possibilities in the field of hydrogen propulsion together with the ZAL experts and then put the best concept into practice.”
ZAL GmbH CEO Roland Gerhards expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration as well, saying, “Our mission is to bring hydrogen into the air and create innovative solutions for sustainable aviation. With Wingcopter as our partner, we’re not only impressed by their drones’ flight performance but also by their clear vision of how urban air mobility, especially drone delivery, can help improve people’s lives. This aligns perfectly with ZAL’s values. With our expertise, we want to convert the Wingcopter to hydrogen and thus strengthen the Hamburg UAM network Windrove with another flagship project.”
This partnership between Wingcopter and ZAL GmbH is a significant step towards developing sustainable aviation solutions that can help address the climate crisis. By exploring hydrogen as a potential power source for drones, the companies are demonstrating their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices. Furthermore, the collaboration may open up new opportunities for drone delivery, which could revolutionize the logistics industry by making it more efficient, affordable, and sustainable.
Hydrogen Drones
Hydrogen-powered drones are emerging as a promising solution for reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry. Unlike traditional drones that rely on conventional fuel sources, hydrogen drones generate electricity by converting hydrogen gas into electricity using a fuel cell. This process results in zero emissions, making them a viable option for eco-friendly drone operations.
The benefits of using hydrogen drones are numerous. Firstly, they offer longer flight times and greater payload capacities than conventional drones, enabling them to carry heavier loads over longer distances. This makes them ideal for applications such as delivery, search and rescue, and monitoring of critical infrastructure.
Secondly, hydrogen drones produce zero emissions, making them an environmentally sustainable option for drone operations. They emit only water vapor and heat, eliminating the harmful pollutants associated with traditional fuel-powered drones.
Hydrogen drones are also safer to operate than conventional drones as they pose a lower risk of fires and explosions. This is because hydrogen is stored as a gas rather than a liquid, reducing the risk of spillage and ignition.
Finally, hydrogen drones offer the potential for reduced operational costs in the long run. While the upfront investment required to develop and manufacture hydrogen drones may be higher, the cost savings generated by reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs over time can be significant.
The use cases for hydrogen drones are diverse and varied. They are ideal for applications that require long flight times, such as surveying, mapping, and inspection of oil and gas pipelines. Additionally, they can be used for search and rescue operations in remote areas or for delivering medical supplies and emergency response materials to disaster zones.
Hydrogen drones are also ideal for monitoring critical infrastructure such as power plants, dams, and bridges. They can be equipped with a range of sensors, cameras, and other equipment to provide real-time data on the health and safety of these structures.
In conclusion, hydrogen drones represent a significant leap forward in sustainable aviation. They offer numerous benefits, including longer flight times, greater payloads, and zero emissions, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. As the aviation industry continues to prioritize sustainability, hydrogen drones are likely to play an increasingly important role in the future of unmanned aerial vehicles.