Evaluating a 10 kW PEM fuel cell system for unmanned aerial vehicles at different cruising altitudes: A thermal analysis

Recent research has focused on applying PEM fuel cell systems to heavy-duty unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as eco-friendly power sources to enhance their mission capabilities. High-altitude operation poses challenges owing to low temperatures, poor oxygen concentrations, and humidity, which affect fuel cell performance. In this study, the thermal stability of a PEM fuel cell system for UAVs was analyzed using an integrated system model in MATLAB/Simulink. Parametric studies were conducted to analyze the thermal parameters of the stack and observe the changes in the cooling load of the system according to the cruising altitude, as well as variations in the optimal operating conditions to ensure the durability of the fuel cell stack. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the selection of optimal operating conditions and the development of thermal management strategies for PEM fuel cell-based UAVs operating at different cruising altitudes.