The Challenge…
One of the primary hurdles impeding the creation of a long range electric UAV is the development of power storage mechanisms that add minimal weight yet possess the capability to rapidly deliver power during takeoff and landing, especially vertical takeoff, all without generating excessive waste heat. Conventional batteries are often impractical as they are heavy and must also limit the rate of energy conversion to stay within safe operating temperatures. Exceeding this limit results in decreased efficiency, reduced power output, shortened lifespan, and the possibility of a catastrophic system failure, commonly known as an explosion.
Our Solution…
Our approach to tackling this challenge comprises three critical elements. Firstly, we leverage advanced thermodynamic techniques to enable swift dissipation of waste heat from the battery, allowing us to harness power more efficiently during takeoff and landing. We have made significant progress in battery technology, but weight remains a limiting factor for extended-range flights. To this end, we have integrated a hydrogen fuel cell that also benefits from our thermal management advancements and can recharge batteries during flight. Lastly, while vertical takeoff and landing is ideal for UAVs, fixed-wing flight is more energy-efficient for extended flights. We have developed an in-flight, multi-pitch propeller system that provides a seamless transition between vertical hover and fixed-wing flight, optimizing efficiency and increasing range.
Our Technology in Action
Power & Endurance
Our hybrid powertrain is capable of generating and maintaining significantly higher levels of power, thereby enabling long-range or heavy payload applications that were previously unfeasible with an eco-friendly UAV.
Clean Power
Our powerful hybrid powertrain emits only water vapour keeping the skys clean for future generations.
Lower Operating Costs
Our unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) necessitate less frequent and less demanding maintenance while also being more fuel-efficient than their petroleum-powered counterparts. This results in lower overall operating costs, even when compared to traditional competitors.
A Unique Battery Approach
Traditional battery packs often suffer from overheating issues, which can restrict their recharge speed, discharge rates, and ultimately, reduce the lifespan of the battery chemistry.
Qdot’s battery packs are engineered using a patented thermal management system, starting from the cell level, to ensure that our battery packs operate at optimal temperatures, thereby increasing power density and prolonging battery cell life. Our approach applies to any battery chemistry keeping it relevant well into the future.
As the shift towards sustainable aviation gains traction, it’s imperative to have batteries that possess a long cycle life, rapid rechargeability, and high energy density to provide the necessary power during crucial flight stages such as take-off and landing. Qdot’s battery packs offer a big step forward by increasing battery efficiency by as much as 25%
Integrated Heat Exchangers
While it’s critical to maintain ideal operating temperatures for batteries in our aircraft, other components require cooling as well. Our patented additive printing and co-sintering techniques enable us to produce high-performance heat exchangers that are lightweight, durable, and energy-efficient. These heat exchangers are vital in maintaining optimal conditions for fuel cells and electric motors to maximize performance.
Integrated Heat Exchangers
While it’s critical to maintain ideal operating temperatures for batteries in our aircraft, other components require cooling as well. Our patented additive printing and co-sintering techniques enable us to produce high-performance heat exchangers that are lightweight, durable, and energy-efficient. These heat exchangers are vital in maintaining optimal conditions for fuel cells and electric motors to maximize performance.
Vertical Takeoff and
Conventional Efficiency
The vertical takeoff and landing capability of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is a highly valuable feature, particularly when dealing with areas where fixed-wing aircraft cannot operate. However, the increased power requirements of such aircraft result in reduced range. We have developed a unique solution to address this issue. Our UAVs are equipped with multi-pitch rotors, enabling the aircraft to take off and land vertically while benefitting from the efficiency of fixed-wing flight during mid-journey. This innovative feature increases overall range and can be further enhanced by conventional takeoff at either the departure or arrival. This flexibility results in a highly versatile and efficient aircraft.
A Powerful Package…
By combining these and other innovative approaches, our groundbreaking UAVs can travel up to 600 kilometres in a single journey or carry payloads of over 500 kilograms up to 250 kilometres, dramatically surpassing any other eco-friendly alternatives in the general aviation and UAV markets. These capabilities provide a aerial platform for many different kinds of mission profiles, including long-range surveys, middle-mile logistics, medical transport, search and rescue and many many more.
A Powerful Package…
By combining these and other innovative approaches, our groundbreaking UAVs can travel up to 600 kilometres in a single journey or carry payloads of over 500 kilograms up to 250 kilometres, dramatically surpassing any other eco-friendly alternatives in the general aviation and UAV markets. These capabilities provide a aerial platform for many different kinds of mission profiles, including long-range surveys, middle-mile logistics, medical transport, search and rescue and many many more.