ZeroAvia. has been granted a patent for a lighter-than-air craft featuring a nonflammable helium-hydrogen gas mixture for buoyancy. The craft includes a hydrogen fuel cell that generates electricity, powering a propulsion system integrated with the envelope, enhancing operational safety and efficiency. GlobalData’s report on ZeroAvia gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on ZeroAvia, Fuel cell powered drones was a key innovation area identified from patents. ZeroAvia's grant share as of June 2024 was 28%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Lighter-than-air craft using nonflammable helium-hydrogen mixture for propulsion
The patent US12030611B2 describes a novel lighter-than-air craft that utilizes a unique lifting gas mixture of helium and hydrogen, designed to be nonflammable under operational conditions. The craft features an envelope that houses this gas mixture, which is carefully proportioned to ensure that the hydrogen content does not exceed its lower explosive limit. This mixture not only provides buoyancy but also supports a hydrogen fuel cell that generates electricity by utilizing the hydrogen. The propulsion system of the craft is electrically connected to the fuel cell, allowing it to harness the generated electricity for movement.
Additionally, the patent outlines several enhancements to the basic design. These include components for adjusting the concentration of hydrogen, sensors for detecting gases within the envelope, and a heat exchange system that manages the thermal output from the fuel cell. This heat exchange system can direct heat to specific regions within the envelope to control buoyancy and can also adjust the temperature of the hydrogen before it is used in the fuel cell. Furthermore, the craft may include a hydrogen scavenging component to collect hydrogen from the surrounding environment, enhancing its operational efficiency. Overall, the claims present a comprehensive approach to improving the safety and functionality of lighter-than-air vehicles through innovative gas management and energy generation techniques.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
