About

About IE-SOAR Fuel Cell Modules

IE-SOAR modules use air-cooled proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells to convert stored hydrogen and ambient air into direct-current electrical power. The range covers 800 W, 1.2 kW and 2.4 kW configurations and follows changing aircraft load in a similar manner to a battery. Modules can operate in parallel for systems reaching 24 kW.

UAV manufacturers integrate the fuel-cell module, hydrogen cylinder, regulator and power electronics into fixed-wing or multirotor platforms. The higher energy-to-mass ratio supports longer inspection, mapping, lidar and defence missions, while cylinder replacement enables rapid refuelling between flights. Intelligent Energy supplies modules, integration guidance, load units and product support for commercial aircraft programmes.

Timeline

Intelligent Energy and Robotic Skies partner on UAV fuel-cell support
2020-05-05 - Partnership - The MoU establishes Robotic Skies as an integration partner for Intelligent Energy’s Fuel Cell Power Modules, initially supporting North American UAV customers. The arrangement covers Intelligent Energy’s UAV range from 650 W to 2.4 kW and adds maintenance and ground support through Robotic Skies’ network of more than 200 service centres in over 40 countries. Intelligent Energy supplies the fuel-cell modules while Robotic Skies supports field integration and post-sale service, helping UAV operators pursue longer flight time and higher payloads.
Source

Context

Market context

IE-SOAR is Intelligent Energy's lightweight hydrogen fuel-cell module family for fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and VTOL UAVs needing longer endurance than battery-only designs.

Target environment: UAVs, long-endurance drones, inspection aircraft, fixed-wing platforms, VTOL systems, and robotics power architectures where endurance is constrained.
Workflow context: UAV power generation, endurance extension, payload power, battery replacement, hydrogen refueling workflow, and aircraft power-system integration.
Customer context: Drone OEMs, aerial inspection providers, defense UAV teams, hydrogen-power integrators, and robotics developers needing longer missions.
Deployment model: Power module integrated into customer aircraft with hydrogen storage, cooling, battery buffer, controls, safety systems, and airframe design.
Commercial maturity: Commercial fuel-cell module family positioned for UAV power systems across multiple output levels.
Adoption constraints: Adoption depends on hydrogen logistics, aircraft integration, safety validation, certification, cost, payload tradeoffs, and refueling infrastructure.
Market position: Alternative power-system component for UAV and field-robot endurance.
Adjacent products: SiCore SA102 Battery Cell, LCC1200 Power Supply, Halo BVLOS Connectivity Platform