A solar-powered mobile refueling station is emerging as the newest pit stop for drones that run on hydrogen.
Michigan-based Sesame Solar’s Drone Refueling Nanogrid (DRN) solution is designed to power unmanned aerial systems (UAS) off the grid, running entirely on solar energy to cut dependence on fuel supply chains.
It can produce its own hydrogen fuel by harvesting moisture from the air through a process known as atmospheric water generation and storing it in solid-state for later use. When drones run low, the DRN can top them up on the spot.
The solution also comes as a complete aerial operations package, including satellite communications, edge computing, and mobile radar to create a fully independent drone refueling capability in the field.
Designed for rapid deployment, the entire setup can be transported across domains and made operational by a single person in just 15 minutes.
“Making our defense operations more energy resilient and simplifying operational energy logistics ultimately strengthens national security,” said Sesame Solar Co-Founder Lauren Flanagan.
“By removing reliance on fuel supply chains, often controlled by countries outside of the US, we’re giving troops the ability to focus on mission-critical tasks, making military operations more efficient and helping to keep Americans and our allies safer.”
Continuous Operations
Sesame’s nanogrid is built to power hydrogen-fueled drones such as Heven AeroTech’s Z1, which is designed for long-endurance missions.
The mobile base can reportedly house and refuel up to two Z1s at once.
Once paired with the DRN, drones can be mission-ready in just five minutes and operate autonomously for up to six months, sustaining round-the-clock operations.
“At Heven, our hydrogen-powered UAS paired with Sesame’s Mobile DRNs can stay aloft 24/7 and operate for months in the field while being stationed in remote environments, without the need to bring in hydrogen,” stated Heven’s Founder Bentzion Levinson.
“Together, we’re unlocking a new level of endurance and independence for defense, security, and emergency response missions.”
Over 65 DRNs have already been deployed to the US and Indo-Pacific theaters to support the US Army, the US Marine Corps, and other defense partners.
