Designing electric propulsion systems for UAVs

Abstract

Due to the advantages of electric motors and electric batteries, the electric propulsion systems are widely used in UAVs [1,2]. The UAV’s performance and endurance, the payload capacity and the flight time of the vehicle are affected highly by the structure and design of the electric propulsion system. In this paper, a new systematic design methodology for electric propulsion system (propeller, electric motor and battery pack) is proposed based on the design specifications given in terms of the required thrust, permissible propulsion system’s weight and required flight time