HevenDrones today showed the first of its three hydrogen-powered drones designed for commercial use, the H2D55. The drone can run for 100 minutes on a single charge and has a payload capacity of 7 kg (15 lb.).
Future models, which will be released within the next nine months, will be able to handle higher payloads and fly for longer, the HaZafon, Israel-based company said.
Hydrogen vs. lithium-ion
HevenDrones said its hydrogen-powered systems address some of the problems associated with drones that use traditional lithium-ion batteries. They have a lower environmental impact and can carry heavy items for longer, it claimed.
“We are delighted to bring hydrogen-powered drones to the global market, and we are excited to see the expanding range of use cases across numerous industries,” said Bentzion Levinson, founder and CEO of HevenDrones, in a statement.
“Not only do actionable drones add immense value to key areas of our economy and society, but we are working to ensure that this value is compounded by reduced carbon emissions and general energy efficiency by using hydrogen. The H2D55 is our first step towards achieving this vision,” he added.
HevenDrones will be showing the drone later this month at IDEX in Abu Dhabi. Source: HevenDrones
Drone has multiple use cases
The drone can be used for a range of applications, including:
- Last-mile and just-in-time delivery
- Measuring the nutrient levels of soil and precision crop spraying to collect risk-assessment data for construction companies
- Surveying real estate for reforestation projects
- Aiding emergency responders in risk assessment and delivery of life-saving equipment
The company added that H2D55 is programmed with a control system that contains multiple gyroscopes and supporting algorithms to extend the operating limits of stable flight.
It will showcase the drone later this month at IDEX 2023 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
The company also recently announced that it was given a Monaco Hydrogen Alliance Award for its hydrogen mobility technology.
“We are honored to be named the company with the most disruptive potential by the Monaco Hydrogen Alliance. This award recognizes our unique combination of technological expertise and our commitment to a more energy-efficient, hydrogen-based, drone ecosystem,” Levinson said in a statement.
“We are excited to strengthen and expand our partnerships with leading hydrogen companies as we continue to develop the next generation of hydrogen-powered drones, with greater energy efficiency and lower carbon impact,” he added.
HevenDrones is focusing on developing hydrogen-powered systems.
