Critical design of hybrid electric-H2 PEMFC propulsion system for Urban Air Mobility drone

This thesis investigates hydrogen fuel cells for aeronautical applications, focusing on sustainable Urban Air Mobility (UAM). It begins by exploring the potential of electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, analyzing their limitations and the environmental impact of battery technology. This motivates the integration of hydrogen fuel cells (FCs) to enhance eVTOL performance and sustainability. The first chapter examines various FC technologies, with a focus on Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs), and provides an overview of the IE-Soar 800 (IE-S800) PEMFC. The second chapter details the MOVERT project, a University of Bologna initiative to design a passenger drone with a hybrid electric-hydrogen powertrain. It describes the development of a similar powertrain for a small-scale helicopter, integrating the IE-S800 FC with the existing battery system. The final chapter presents the results of IE-S800 FC characterization tests, offering insights into its performance for potential use in future UAM applications.