Through the purchase order, UK-based NanoSUN will supply Ballard a proof-of-concept hydrogen refueler to complement Ballard’s FCair™ hydrogen fuel cell power systems used for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or drones.
NanoSUN’s refueler technology allows operators to refill drone fuel tanks safely, quickly and inexpensively.
As part of the purchase by Ballard, NanoSUN plans to modify its refueler technology to be compliant with North American transport and safety standards, which differ from the European standards already supported.
“We are excited to work with the NanoSUN team to bring its user-friendly refuelling system to North American hydrogen UAV users,” said Phil Robinson, Vice-President and General Manager of Ballard Unmanned Systems, Inc.
“The system will operate seamlessly with FCair™ carbon fibre storage tanks and hydrogen regulators and will use commonly available hydrogen gas cylinders. Our customers are seeing a 3x flight time advantage over batteries.”
“Making refuelling easy is a critical part of our strategy to establish hydrogen as the obvious choice for commercial UAV designers and operators requiring long duration,” Robinson concluded.
NanoSUN will deliver the refueler by the end of 2019.
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