HYDRA-M 60W & 120W Solid-State Metal Hydride Fuel Cell Systems

HYDRA-M is a 60W and 120W portable hydrogen fuel cell system designed for man-portable, UAV and remote power applications. Its solid-state hydrogen storage delivers up to 1200Wh/kg specific energy, while rapid cartridge replacement enables long-duration operation without conventional high-pressure hydrogen cylinders.

HYDRA-M 60W & 120W Portable Hydrogen Fuel Cell Advantages

Solid-State Metal Hydride Hydrogen Storage

HYDRA-M stores hydrogen within a solid metal hydride material rather than a conventional high-pressure gas cylinder. For more information on storage, handling, thermal considerations and field deployment, see our guide to metal hydride fuel cell safety.The near-ambient-pressure architecture eliminates the need for 70 MPa hydrogen storage and reduces the pressure-related complexity of portable hydrogen power systems.

•Solid-state metal hydride hydrogen storage
•Near-ambient pressure operation
•No conventional high-pressure H₂ cylinder
•Transport classification depends on applicable regional regulations and testing

High Specific Energy for Long-Duration Missions

With system-level fuel energy density above 1200Wh/kg, HYDRA-M is designed to provide extended operating time within a portable form factor. The 60W system delivers 27+ hours of continuous operation under specified conditions, while the 120W system provides 10+ hours at full load.

•>1200Wh/kg system‑level fuel density
•3–5× the energy of equivalent‑weight lithium packs
•60W model: 27+ hours continuous runtime
•120W model: 10+ hours at full UAV payload
•Zero self‑discharge — store for months, deploy instantly

Extreme-Environment Operation

HYDRA-M is designed for demanding environments, with operation from -40°C to +55°C and altitude capability above 5,000 m. The system is engineered for applications where conventional battery performance, charging infrastructure or fuel logistics can become limiting factors.

•-40°C cold start without preheating
•+55°C sustained operation without derating
•5000m+ altitude —No external oxygen supply required
•IEC 60068: shock, vibration, salt spray, sand/dust tested

Simplifying Portable Hydrogen Power Logistics

HYDRA-M generates hydrogen on demand from solid-state metal hydride cartridges, eliminating the need for conventional high-pressure hydrogen storage, compressors and heavy gas cylinders. Cartridge replacement takes less than 60 seconds, allowing operators to restore power quickly in the field.

The result is quiet, low-signature electrical power for applications where acoustic and thermal visibility matter. With cartridge-based refueling, HYDRA-M can be deployed and replenished without waiting for conventional battery charging.

HYDRA-M Applications: UAV, Tactical & Remote Power

120W Hydrogen Fuel Cell for Long-Endurance UAVs

HYDRA‑M 120W: provides continuous electrical power for compatible fixed-wing and multirotor UAV platforms, supporting longer missions for ISR, EO/IR payloads, communications and other airborne systems.

10+ hours flight endurance for fixed‑wing surveillance platforms. Carry heavier EO/IR payloads without sacrificing loiter time.

For UAV integration, endurance planning and application scenarios, see our UAV Ground Power hydrogen fuel cell solutions.

HYDRA‑M 60W:

27+ hours for small ISR drones. Persistent perimeter security without battery swap cycles.

60W–120W Hydrogen Power for Remote Monitoring

HYDRA‑M 120W:HYDRA-M provides long-duration power for remote sensors, AI camera systems, communications nodes and other low-power infrastructure. The 60W and 120W configurations allow system sizing according to continuous load requirements and deployment constraints.

Weeks of autonomous operation for AI camera towers, radar relays, and communication nodes. No fuel resupply convoys. No generator noise.

For detailed 60W power sizing and mission-duration calculations, see our guide to 60W man-portable power sizing.

HYDRA‑M 60W:

Ideal for low‑power seismic, acoustic, or RF sensors in denied or remote areas.

Portable Hydrogen Power for Extreme Cold & High Altitude

Designed for operation from -40°C to +55°C and altitudes above 5,000 m, HYDRA-M provides portable power for polar research, mountain operations, remote sensing and other demanding environments.

Both models:

Reliable cold start at -40°C. No performance degradation at 5000m+. The 120W model supports heavier research payloads. The 60W model doubles as a personal power source in extreme environments.

Solid-State Metal Hydride Fuel Cell vs. Lithium, Compressed Hydrogen & Diesel

vs. Lithium Batteries

HYDRA-M is designed for missions where runtime and energy carried per kilogram are more important than short-duration peak power. Its solid-state hydrogen architecture avoids lithium-ion battery thermal runaway mechanisms and maintains usable operation in extreme cold conditions.

For a 7-day, 60W mission, HYDRA-M can significantly reduce carried energy-storage weight compared with an equivalent lithium-ion configuration, depending on system and mission assumptions.

vs. Compressed Hydrogen (70MPa)

HYDRA-M stores hydrogen in a solid metal hydride material rather than a 70 MPa compressed-gas cylinder. This removes the need for Type IV composite pressure vessels, compressors and dedicated high-pressure hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

No compressors, no refueling infrastructure required.

vs. Diesel Generators

HYDRA-M operates at ≤45 dB with no combustion exhaust, making it suitable for applications where low acoustic and thermal signatures are important. Its cartridge-based architecture can also reduce fuel handling and resupply requirements compared with small diesel generators.

HYDRA-M 60W & 120W Technical Specifications

HYDRA‑M 60W

HYDRA‑M 120W

Parameter	HYDRA‑M 60W	HYDRA‑M 120W
Rated Power	60W (Peak 80W)	120W (Steady)
Output Voltage	18–24V DC	16–30V / 54.6V DC
System Weight	5.45kg	≤6.0kg
Fuel Capacity	1200Wh	1200Wh+ (scalable)

Max Altitude	All‑Terrain	All‑Terrain
Operating Temp	-40°C to +55°C	-40°C to +55°C
Typical Apps	Infantry, Field Camps	Tactical UAV, Border Relay
Dimensions (L x W x H)	300200200mm	300200200mm

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can solid-state metal hydride hydrogen cartridges be transported by air?

A:Transport requirements depend on the cartridge design, packaging and applicable regulations in the destination and transit countries. HYDRA-M is designed around solid-state hydrogen storage rather than compressed gas cylinders, which may simplify transport requirements in some jurisdictions. Always confirm the current classification with the relevant carrier and authorities before shipment.

Q: What happens if the fuel cartridge is damaged in the field?

A: The cartridge is designed to keep the reactive material sealed from moisture during normal handling. If damaged, hydrogen generation is not initiated unless the required reaction conditions are present. Damaged cartridges should be handled according to the applicable safety procedures.

Q:Which HYDRA-M fuel cell should I choose: 60W or 120W?

A:Choose HYDRA-M 60W for man-portable equipment, remote sensors and smaller ISR platforms where system weight and portability are priorities. Choose HYDRA-M 120W for higher-demand UAV payloads, communications nodes and applications requiring continuous power up to 120W.

Q: Can the HYDRA-M 120W replace a small diesel generator?

A: For low-power continuous applications, HYDRA-M 120W can provide an alternative to small diesel generators where low noise, no combustion exhaust and portable deployment are important. Suitability depends on the load profile, required runtime and environmental conditions.

Q: What is the shelf life of HYDRA‑M fuel cartridges?

A: HYDRA-M uses solid-state metal hydride hydrogen storage for long-term fuel storage. The recommended storage temperature is -55°C to +70°C, while the fuel cell operates from 0°C to +55°C under standard atmospheric pressure. Actual shelf life depends on storage conditions and cartridge configuration.

Q: What is a solid-state metal hydride fuel cell?

A: A solid-state metal hydride fuel cell system stores hydrogen within a solid metal hydride material rather than as compressed gas. Hydrogen is generated on demand and supplied to a PEM fuel cell stack, which converts the hydrogen into electrical power. This architecture combines solid-state hydrogen storage with portable fuel-cell power generation.

Q: How does HYDRA-M generate hydrogen?

A: HYDRA-M uses a controlled hydrolysis process to generate hydrogen from a solid metal hydride material when water is introduced. The generated hydrogen is then supplied to the PEM fuel cell stack to produce electricity.

Q:How long can HYDRA-M operate continuously?

A: HYDRA-M 60W provides 27+ hours of continuous operation under specified conditions, while the 120W model provides 10+ hours at full load. Actual runtime depends on load profile, operating temperature, altitude and system configuration.

Q:Is HYDRA-M a Solid-State Hydrogen Battery?

A: HYDRA-M is technically a solid-state metal hydride hydrogen fuel cell system. It stores hydrogen in a solid metal hydride material and converts the released hydrogen into electricity through a PEM fuel cell stack.Learn more about the terminology and technology in our guide to solid-state hydrogen batteries.

Customize Your Power Solution

Our engineering team provides system integration consulting and mission feasibility studies for UAV, tactical, remote sensing and other portable power applications. We can support power matching, output configuration, thermal integration and application-specific deployment requirements.

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Need technical information, product specifications or application support? Contact our engineering team.