연료전지 무인기를 위한 화학수소화물 기반 수소 발생기

Abstract

Unmanned Aircraft utilizing electric motors have various advantages and disadvantages. Electric motors are superior to internal combustion engines in that they are quiet and are free of unwanted vibrations. However, electric motors offer a shorter flight time due to the battery’s low energy density. To solve this problem, various studies on fuel cells are currently in progress. This study considers the application of an efficient hydrogen supply system and the PEMFC system to UAV’s power system with low mass and stable operation. sodium borohydride (NaBH4) has been intensively studied as a hydrogen storage material because of its advantages of nonflammability and stability in air, easily controlled hydrogen generation rate, side product recyclability, and high H2 storage efficiency. In this study, Co-Ni-P-B catalysts supported on Ni foam were prepared using electroless plating. The surface morphology of the catalysts/Ni foam was observed using SEM and EDS analysis. Also, the characteristics of hydrogen generation with Co-Ni-P-B/Ni foam catalyst was investigated at the variety of NaBH4 and NaOH concentrations. Durability test was performed, resulting in the stable hydrogen generation for long hours. Secondly, Performance of a hydrogen generator for a fuel cell unmanned aircraft was evaluated as the change of temperature environment. The hydrogen gas was generated by the hydrolysis reaction using a catalytic reactor. Reaction chambers were set up with the range of temperatures from -20 to 40 oC. The hydrogen generation rate and temperatures changes of reactor and separator were measured at the NaBH4 concentrations of 20 and 25wt.%. Finally, performance of two kinds hydrogen generator for under the same conditions was evaluated. Based on this, performance of one chamber for the fuel concentration, pump voltage and so on such as hydrogen generator was evaluated. And high efficient and a lightweight fuel cell system for application as the propulsion system for a UAV was to utilize its safety and stability in a long-term bench test.