Thermodynamic analysis of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) power generation system in an unmanned aerial vehicle

Nowadays, fuel cell systems are used in energy systems which caused to saving energy, and a high-efficiency system. Recently, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) has been considered for aerospace applications especially in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). In the present study, this system has been used for power generation in the different phase of flight, such as takeoff, climb, maximum speed, and cruise. Also, a comprehensive parametric study is carried out to show the effects of some key parameters (including current density, surface area of the fuel cell, takeoff distance, and stoichiometric air ratio) on the main performance criteria of the PEMFC system. The results indicate that the current values for the power required for maximum speed, climb, takeoff, and cruise are 8, 6.576, 5.593, and 2.098, respectively. According to the results, increasing the takeoff distance leads to a reduction in the required power and the system input hydrogen. Also, with increasing current density, power and hydrogen consumption increase, while fuel cell and exergy efficiency decrease.