Applications
Hydrogen UAVs & Drones
Context & Current Trends
Hydrogen-powered drones are redefining endurance and autonomy in the air. From Defense to Infrastructure, UAVs powered by fuel cells fly farther, carry heavier payloads, and refuel in minutes, unlocking missions beyond the limits of batteries.
Where They Fly
Defense & Security
Mission critical operations requiring long-range and high endurance
Energy & Infrastructure
Large-scale mapping, inspection, and surveying
Logistics
Reliable delivery in remote or off-grid locations
The Challenge
Conventional fuel cell stacks are still holding UAVs back. Heavy metallic or graphite bipolar plates reduce payload and endurance, while designs optimized for ground use don’t translate well to airborne systems.
Hycco’s Breakthrough
Hycco’s ultra-light composite bipolar plates redefine stack performance for UAVs:
- Reduce stack weight vs. metal plates, without compromising durability
- Boost power density → longer flights & higher payloads
- Proven in field-tested open-cathode systems
Hycco’s technology is proven in the field
We’ve partnered with UAV integrators and fuel cell manufacturers across Europe and Asia to deliver next-generation stacks that reliably enhance UAV performance.
Aviation & Aerospace
Hydrogen is taking flight
Hydrogen fuel cells are enabling regional, commuter, and short-haul aircraft to fly further and more efficiently than battery-electric alternatives, unlocking new possibilities for clean aviation.
Regional & Commuter Aircraft
Longer range, lower emissions
Demonstrators & Pilot Programs
Testing next-gen hydrogen flight
Future HT-PEM Aircraft
High-performance propulsion for challenging conditions
The Challenge
Weight and durability are critical. Metallic plates are too heavy or prone to corrosion, while titanium is expensive and limited. Advanced HT-PEM systems require materials that can withstand high humidity, pressure changes, and long duty cycles.
Hycco’s Breakthrough
Hycco’s carbon-fiber composite bipolar plates are built for aerospace:
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50%+ lighter than stainless steel, 3 times lighter than titanium
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Durable under high-pressure, humidified, and long-cycle conditions
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Compatible with LT-PEM and HT-PEM systems, bridging today’s prototypes to tomorrow’s aircraft
Trusted by industry leaders
From technology demonstrators to pilot development, HYCCO provides the plate technology needed to fly hydrogen further, faster, and lighter.
Heavy-Duty Mobility
(Trucks, Buses, Trains, Maritime)
Hydrogen driving long-haul transport
Fuel cells are powering trucks, buses, trains, and maritime vessels where batteries fall short, delivering long range, fast refueling, and durable performance for demanding routes.
Where It’s Applied
Long-Haul Trucks & Buses
Efficient, zero-emission freight and passenger transport
Trains & Marine
Heavy-duty propulsion with reliable long-life stacks
Methanol reforming & HT-PEM technology
Enable liquid energy storage in methanol and a simplified balance of plant, ideally suited for maritime application
The Challenge
Metallic bipolar plates add weight, corrode under harsh conditions, and require costly coatings, limiting stack integration and high-temperature performance. HT‑PEM systems, operating up to 200 °C, demand materials that are chemically stable, thermally robust, and compact for mobile applications.
Hycco’s Breakthrough: HT‑200+
Hycco’s HT‑200+ composite material is engineered specifically for high-temperature PEM systems:
- Exceptional chemical resistance withstands phosphoric acid and methanol reformate by products
- Thermally stable up to 200 °C for reliable HT‑PEM operation
- Ultra-compact design reduces stack volume and simplifies integration in vehicles and vessels
Proven in demanding conditions
HT‑200+ enables system integrators to unlock the full potential of HT‑PEM fuel cells, powering longer missions, higher payloads, and more robust hydrogen mobility solutions.
H2 production
Powering the green hydrogen revolution
PEM electrolyzers convert renewable electricity into clean hydrogen with high efficiency. Traditionally, specific bipolar plates are required on the anode side to withstand harsh acidic conditions, adding cost, weight, and supply constraints.
The Challenge
- Titanium is expensive and supply-sensitive
- Conventional materials limit large-scale, low-cost deployment
Hycco’s Breakthrough
Hycco’s carbon-fiber composite bipolar plates are built for aerospace:
- Titanium-free electrolyzer designs for lower cost
- Lighter, more efficient stacks suitable for hydrogen production
- New opportunities for scaling next-generation PEM electrolyzers
Proven & Partner-Ready
Hycco supports innovators in designing, prototyping, and validating titanium-free stacks. Our materials help bring cost-efficient, high-performance electrolyzers to market faster.
Long Term Energy Storage
Powering grids with redox flow batteries
Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are emerging as a leading solution for large-scale energy storage, balancing intermittent renewables and ensuring reliable power for grids, industry, and microgrids.
The Challenge
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Manufacturability: Large plate dimensions in redox-flow batteries make brittle graphite a challenging material.
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Durability issues: corrosion, swelling, and conductivity losses reduce efficiency over long lifetimes
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Scalability needs: utility-scale projects demand lighter, more compact, and cost-efficient stack designs
Hycco’s Breakthrough
- Lightweight, mechanically robust design to support large-scale stack assembly
- High corrosion resistance for long cycle life in acidic electrolytes
- Improved conductivity and compactness, reducing overall system footprint and cost
Proven & Partner-Ready
Hycco enables energy storage developers to design redox flow batteries that are lighter, more durable, and more cost-efficient, accelerating the adoption of renewable energy worldwide.