A study of protector for high-pressure hydrogen tank used for unmanned aircrafts (drones) flying by fuel cells

(A study of shock absorbing carbon fiber protector for high-pressure hydrogen tank)

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a demand for the practical application of drones equipped with a fuel cell as a power source, which enables longer-distance flight. However, in order to operate a fuel cell drone, it is necessary to develop a protector that protects the high-pressure hydrogen tank from the impact of a crash. Carbon fiber is a material with a light mass. And this material has the characteristic that the energy absorption changes depending on the lamination and weaving method. Therefore, the authors focused on carbon fiber as a protector for hydrogen tanks. Then, in this research, protectors for hydrogen tanks with 6 different layers and weaves were manufactured. And collision tests of these protectors were performed. Based on results obtained in collision tests, energy absorption qualities of protectors were compared and evaluated.