- New regulator valve is certified for use in Europe and US
- Enables safe transportation of full hydrogen cylinders
- Roadmap in place to offer full cylinder delivery service
Loughborough– Intelligent Energy, the market leader for UAV lightweight fuel cell power modules with its IE-SoarTM range, has this week added a game changing product to its growing UAV product line-up. The Pressure Tech CV414; a high-pressure, TPED and DoT rated valve enabling customers to transport full cylinders of hydrogen to power their UAVs.
Without this valve the transportation of full, UAV compatible, hydrogen cylinders is not permitted, which in turn has a significant impact on the time and cost required to complete an operation. This valve removes this issue and opens doors for many operational applications and service providers to realise the full potential of using fuel cell technology to power their UAV fleets
Andy Kelly, Head of UAV Product Development at Intelligent Energy, announced the news: “This high-pressure valve has been developed by Pressure Tech specifically to requirements set out by Intelligent Energy and its customers. We were keen to address issues hindering the wider adoption of fuel cell power for UAVs.
“We know our fuel cells are the ideal choice for UAV operators requiring longer flight time. However, it is important that we support with the peripherals required to get operational. This valve is a key enabler and will make it simple for our customers to get their full cylinders where they need them and ready to use.”
Intelligent Energy is now looking at how it can further support customers by ensuring they have easy access to full hydrogen cylinders. Andy added: “Now full UAV compatible cylinders can be transported; the next logical step is to get them delivered directly to our customers. We want it to be as straightforward as ordering barbecue gas and getting empty cylinders collected.”
The new valve is now available to order and is fully certified for use throughout Europe and the US.
The IE-SoarTM modules for UAVs are the lightest and most power dense available on the market, offering many advantages for commercial UAV users. Intelligent Energy fuel cells achieve three times the flight duration compared to batteries and their lightweight design means they can lift larger UAVs and carry heavier payloads.
About Intelligent Energy
Intelligent Energy is focused on the development and manufacture of its Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell products for customers in the automotive, aerospace, generator, telecoms, materials handling and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sectors. The company is headquartered and manufactures in Loughborough in the UK, with additional offices and representation in the US, Japan, China and South Korea.
About Pressure Tech
Established in 2000 and located in the UK, Pressure Tech is recognised globally for manufacturing high-quality ISO-9001 accredited pressure regulators for oil and gas applications. The Pressure Tech team includes a combination of long-term employees offering extensive product experience and a detailed historical understanding of the applications they have been used on, and employees with specialist knowledge in areas around strategic business management. It is this blend that continues to add strength and value to our core business of designing and manufacturing high-quality pressure regulators.
Our product range is manufactured predominantly in 316SS, covers up to 1,380 bar (20,000 psi) and caters for port sizes from 1/8″ to 4″. Pressure Tech regulators are used worldwide with 70% being exported for use on critical high-pressure control systems such as wellhead control panels, gas analyser systems, hyperbaric diving systems and the latest hydrogen fuel cell technology. We supply to an ever-increasing customer base ranging from family businesses like our own to blue chip multinationals, meaning we offer a personal touch combined with the capacity to fulfil larger projects.
About Fuel Cells
Fuel cell technology is similar to battery technology in that individual cells are built up to give the desired power output. However, fuel cells do not run out of charge as batteries do and will produce power for as long as hydrogen fuel is provided to the cell. Hydrogen is readily available around the world, often generated using green energy.
Fuel cells are deployed in multiple applications where clean, lightweight, efficient and cost-effective power is required. Fast re-fuelling and lack of emissions makes fuel cell technology the immediate choice for forklift trucks and warehousing. Fuel cells are common place in clean construction and backup power for critical telecoms. Powering UAVs with fuel cells allows three times the flying time which gives significant advantages in applications such as aerial surveying and filming and delivery.
Zero emission hydrogen fuel cell technology will be preferred to battery technology in vehicles where rapid re-fuelling, high power and long range are important. Typical fuel cell applications include passenger cars, buses and trucks, along with smaller cars where a high availability is critical, e.g. taxis and shared vehicles. FCEVs are expected to be an integral part of the connected and autonomous vehicle (“CAV”) revolution over the coming years.
Fuel cells are expected to become a dominant technology in de-carbonised aerospace.
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