Drone flight time greatly extended

The standard batteries of the flying machines are not exactly exhilarating: they run out of air after only about 20 minutes. But especially for commercial use, a longer flight time is mandatory.

For example, for search and rescue missions

With the new hydrogen fuel cell from the supplier Intelligent Energy the battery problem should be a thing of the past, as the news agency Pressetext.com writes on its portal. With the help of the "range extender," which is attached to the standard battery thanks to its lightweight construction, the short flight time can be extended to several hours, according to the report. This would make drones suitable for various new applications. In this regard, Intelligent Energy points to inspection drones that check oil rigs for flaws and vulnerabilities. This would also make drones suitable for search and rescue missions.

Drones are not only used commercially, increasingly one has to worry about privacy. However, the flying objects can also be used for various criminal purposes. It is not for nothing that so-called drone defense systems are already on the market. With a significantly longer flight time, the misuse will probably also increase.

Only two minutes charging time

Back to the hydrogen fuel cell: According to the development company, an extensive practical test was carried out with the "range extender". Different versions of drones were tested: some were equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell only, others with a combination of battery and fuel cell. The result: using a combination of both energy sources, the flight time could be extended from 20 minutes to more than two hours. The charging time of one to two hours could also be reduced to two minutes on average, as Pressetext.com writes.

It has not yet been determined when the new fuel cell will be commercially available. The first public demonstration of the technology is to take place during the Consumer Electronics Show 2016 which will take place in Las Vegas from January 6 to 9, 2016.