South Korean firm leads charge in sustainable drone technology

Interesting Engineering highlights that Hogreen Air, a South Korean company, introduced a high-speed, long-range hydrogen fuel cell drone at the recent H2 Mobility Energy Environment Technology (MEET) conference in Seoul.

This unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is designed for extended surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The drone operates on hydrogen, available in both gas and liquid forms, allowing it to fly for up to 14 hours. It is equipped with advanced communication systems, including radio frequency and LTE/5G capabilities, and can carry a payload of up to 10 kg.

What sets this drone apart from traditional models is its operational range. It recently conducted a remote flight in Germany while its operators managed it from nearly 5,778 miles away in South Korea. Additionally, it autonomously flew in the United States, 5,618 miles from its control team in South Korea. This capability greatly enhances the potential for long-range drone operations, enabling control from anywhere with mobile network connectivity. 

The drones utilize fuel cells powered by liquefied hydrogen, which is 800 times denser than hydrogen gas. Unlike conventional drones that operate on lithium batteries for just 10 to 30 minutes, the Hogreen Air drones can sustain flight for over 14 hours. A representative from Hogreen Air shared at the conference that the combination of high speed, extended endurance, superior communication systems, and hydrogen fuel allows for intercontinental flights. 

Hogreen Air focuses on creating stable systems in the drone industry and offers tailored services for various sectors, including defence, industry, education, and services. The company aims to drive innovation in accident and safety management for UAVs by enhancing the efficiency of drone operations and services. It was established to promote green energy through the use of hydrogen fuel cells. Hogreen Air is recognized for producing and selling a variety of drone hardware, software, and comprehensive solutions. 

One of its key developments is the 'Hydrogen Power Pack,' a power generation system that integrates hydrogen fuel cells with storage tanks. The company holds numerous patents related to drones, including technologies for ‘LTE-Based High-Speed Encryption of Video Data’ and an ‘Unmanned Pesticide Supply System.’ They are actively engaged in drone development across sectors such as agriculture, defense, and artificial intelligence. 

Hogreen Air’s PEM (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) fuel cell platform features high-performance air-cooled fuel cells that utilize minimal peripheral components, ensuring both reliability and cost-effectiveness. This system generates clean DC power from hydrogen, producing only pure water vapor when it reacts with oxygen from the atmosphere. Additionally, it operates quietly and with low vibration, providing environmental benefits compared to traditional diesel generators. 

These capabilities enable the drone to perform search-and-rescue missions using an AI-based facial recognition program to locate missing persons. In 2022, UK-based Intelligent Energy (IE) signed a memorandum of understanding with Hogreen Air in Yokohama, detailing plans for the production of IE’s 100kW hydrogen fuel cell, known as IE-DRIVETM, starting in 2024.

By Naila Huseynova