Electric propulsion systems have the tremendous advantage of zero emission (provided clean electricity is used to recharge) compared to fossil-based combustion engines. However, the electric propulsion system suffers greatly from low battery energy density. This makes efficiency a very important phenomenon for your design and you want to make sure that you optimize your drone’s efficiency
The Benefits of optimizing the drone’s efficiency include;
- It allows you to fly longer (endurance)
- It allows you to cover more distance (Range)
- It enables you to fly faster
- It gives you more control over your drone
- It enables acrobatic performance
- It allows a higher payload to be carried.
What are the important Parameters to be measured?
There are three important components of the electric propulsion systems, and here we explain the important parameters to be tested for each component.
1. Brushless DC motor
To fully characterize a motor, you need to measure the following parameters.
- Torque (Nm)
- Voltage (V)
- Current (A)
- Throttle input (%)
- Speed (RPM)
- Electrical Power (Watt)
2. Propeller
The following parameters are important to be measured
- Thrust (g)
- Torque (Nm)
- Mechanical power (Watt)
- Thrust efficiency (g/Watt)
3. Overall System Efficiency
The system’s total performance depends on the motor and propeller being combined in a well-balanced manner. If these two components don’t work properly together, your system will be incredibly ineffective. Since these components are connected by a common link (the shaft), the overall system efficiency is determined as follows:Propeller efficiency (g/Watts) plus motor efficiency equals system efficiency (g/Watts).where g/watt of electrical power represents the system efficiency. Changes to the motor, propeller or even the choice of an alternative ESC will all affect the predicted system efficiency.The efficiency value will moreover only be applicable for certain command input and mechanical load. This entails testing your motor under a variety of command inputs and with a variety of propellers to alter the mechanical behavior.
What is a test bench?
A test bench is an environment where the performance of a design or model is examined through simulations.Test bench is important Because it offers several fundamental functions to evaluatethe performance of the tested product. The mainobjective of using a test bench is to save money, time, and effort throughthe ability to evaluate concepts and their application.Manufacturers and engineers frequently employ test benches to assess the performance of their design.Four principles underpin the development of a test bench:effectiveness, adaptability, reusability, anda reflection of the environment in which the system will operateand perform in.
Why DYNOTIS?
Dynotis is a testbench built to assist you in your engineering decision to compare the performance of different motor-propeller combinations for a given mission. It measures and collects high-fidelity data of your propulsion system and derives its efficiency. With our product, you can find the most efficient propulsion system for your project.