Experimental and numerical thermo-fluid dynamic study for a SOFC system integration in an aircraft fuselage ; Rapp. Int. 02/2016

The thermal design of an electrical propelled Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with a small Solid oxide Fuel cell system is considered. Because the reduced space between the SOFC generator and the UAV fuselage/pod shell (about 20 mm all around the generator), high external surface temperature reached during the generator operation, can lead to unsuited values of the UAV fuselage/pod internal temperature. For this reason, it is important to ensure a proper ventilation of the air volume inside the UAV fuselage/pod to avoid malfunctioning of the electronics devices connected to the generator and high temperature zones that can affect the integrity of the pod shell. Experimental and Computational Fluid dynamic studies were carried out to evaluate the pod heat exchange "performance" for different air intake configuration and design and provide the right operative conditions of the SOFC. Advices concerning a correct SOFC system integration inside the UAV fuselage/pod are also provided.