An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for use in environmental research and surveying will become the first hydrogen fuel cell-powered aircraft fully developed in South Africa.
The prototype aircraft, developed by Mark van Wyk – a private pilot and entrepreneur from CapeTown – walked away with the first prize at the first AVI Awards (Afrique Aviation Innovation) in Pretoria on 29 October. It demonstrates the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology (HFCT) to bring alternative and clean power solutions to South Africa, as well as the country's innovative capabilities in the HFCT space.
Hydrogen fuel cell swill providean electric propulsion alternative that is carbon-neutral,has zero emissions and is completely environmentally friendly, enabling the UAV to survey larger areas for environmental research at a lower energy cost and environmental risk.
South African researchers will also potentially be able to gather comprehensive and important Earth observation data with the intention of improving land-use, planning and environmental management,which in turn will add to improved sustainability.
The AVI Awards, introduced at the Avi Afrique Innovation Summit, are the culmination of a partnership between the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS).
Van Wyk, founder of the company FlyH2 Aerospace,and his partner, Onno Huyser (also a pilot, remote-sensing specialist and environmental advisor), are developing a large, fixed-wing unmanned aircraft to be powered by novel miniaturised hydrogen fuel cells designed, prototyped and trialed at the Hydrogen SA (HYSA) Catalysis Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the University of Cape Town.
Van Wyk received seed funding from TIA to develop the prototype at the HySA Catalysis CoE.
"The system is completely toxicant-free. In the future our company wishes to further develop the technology to a level where it can also power manned aircraft. Both Boeing and Airbus have done significant research into hydrogen fuel cells. This could be the future of green aviation," said Van Wyk.
He added, "I was honoured to win the first prize for the event. I received a flurry of well wishes and support from TIA, ATNS and the South African National Space Agency, encouraging me to continue development of the hydrogen-powered unmanned aircraft we're co-developing with HySA Catalysis."
The HeadoftheAdvancedManufacturingUnitatTIA, Mr Reshleu Rampershad ,said,"TIAis proud to partner with ATNS in its inaugural AVI Awards and views this collaboration as key in unlocking the innovative capacity in the civilaviation space. We look forward to jointly developing local technology solutions to the challenges this industry faces in the area of advanced manufacturing and related areas."
Equally excited by the collaborative attempt to leapfrog Africa into First World status, the ATNS CEO, Thabani Mthiyane, said, "We are encouraged by the commitment and passion shown by all who submitted their work. The message is clear: there is innovation within the aviation space that remains largely undiscovered."
The AVI Awards, which will be held annually, has various categories, including "Students from Grade10 to 12", who may have developed any innovative concept; " Emerging Innovators" for individuals with no formal tertiary qualifications, but who are involved in the development of various innovations; "Professional Innovators", who hold a degree or postgraduate degree; "Women Innovators" for women aged19 years and above who are involved in aeronautical innovation in any form; and "Research/Educational Institutions", which is for any institution involved in research or education that is specific and related to aviation.
