Energy equivalent consumption and optimization strategies for hybrid hydrogen fuel systems in multirotor drones

Abstract

This paper presents an improved Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy (ECMS) designed to optimize energy management for the hybrid hydrogen fuel power setups in multirotor drones. The proposed strategy aims to reduce hydrogen consumption and enhance the performance of the system consisting of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) and lithium batteries. Multirotor drones experience rapid power fluctuations due to their agile maneuvering, but PEMFCs are unable to meet these demands swiftly due to their inherent limitations. To address this, lithium batteries supplement peak power requirements and absorb excess energy on the DC bus. However, this can lead to energy loss if the batteries are charged when not required. Our improved ECMS considers these inefficiencies and adjusts energy distribution to reduce hydrogen consumption and optimize the system’s performance. The proposed strategy effectively maintains the lithium batteries’ State of Charge (SOC), reduces hydrogen usage and enhances overall system efficiency when compared to traditional ECMS approaches.