In the rapidly evolving world of agricultural drones, efficiency and precision are paramount. A recent study published in *Applied System Innovation* (translated from Spanish as *Applied System Innovation*), led by Javier de la Cruz Soto from the Sonora Institute of Technology in Obregon City, Mexico, offers a groundbreaking approach to designing propulsion systems for large-sized agricultural drones. By leveraging numerical methods, Soto and his team have significantly reduced the time and cost associated with traditional experimental testing, paving the way for faster and more efficient drone development.
The study focuses on the design and assessment of propulsion systems, which include propellers, motors, and batteries. Traditionally, this process involves repetitive and expensive experimental tests that require specialized equipment and strict safety protocols. Soto’s research, however, utilizes numerical methods to simulate and predict the performance of these components, drastically cutting down on the need for physical testing.
One of the key innovations in this study is the implementation of a three half-bridge inverter circuit with trapezoidal commutation. This setup allows for a more accurate prediction of motor performance. “By using numerical methods, we were able to achieve a maximum variation of just 6.32% for thrust and 10.1% for torque in our propeller studies,” explains Soto. This level of precision is crucial for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of agricultural drones.
The research also involved an electromagnetic analysis of a commercial brushless direct current motor (BLDC) using JMAG software from JSOL Corporation. The results showed a deviation of only 4.43% from experimental electrical measurements, demonstrating the high accuracy of the numerical methods employed. “Our findings indicate that numerical methods can provide valuable insights into the design of large-sized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs),” Soto adds.
The selected propulsion system was implemented in a 30 kg drone, and motor performance was evaluated at two different points in a typical agricultural trajectory. The results showed that numerical methods not only reduce the need for experimental tests but also accelerate the implementation time, making the development process more efficient and cost-effective.
The implications of this research are significant for the energy sector, particularly in the realm of agricultural drones. By reducing the time and cost associated with propulsion system design, this approach can lead to faster deployment of drones for various agricultural applications, from crop monitoring to precision spraying. “This research opens up new possibilities for the energy sector, particularly in the development of more efficient and reliable propulsion systems for agricultural drones,” says Soto.
As the demand for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices continues to grow, the insights provided by this study will be invaluable. The use of numerical methods in drone design represents a significant step forward, offering a more streamlined and cost-effective approach to developing advanced agricultural technologies. With the findings published in *Applied System Innovation*, the stage is set for further advancements in this field, shaping the future of agricultural drones and their impact on the energy sector.