Battery consumption estimation methodology for electric unmanned aerial systems

This study presents a methodology to estimate the battery consumption of an electric powerplant, based on brushless motors, typically used in light unmanned aerial systems. The methodology models brushless motors through an equivalent circuit obtained from their dynamic behaviour. Propellers' data are taken from an experimental database. Furthermore, a variable speed controller efficiency is considered in the methodology. All the parameters involved in the model are adjusted by minimising the mean quadratic error of measurements taken in both direct and alternating currents. This model allows designers to predict energy consumption, also if any element of the powerplant changes, such as battery or propeller. Thus, it is useful for selecting the best powerplant for an actual RPAS operation. The results obtained to predict the current consumption of several electric powerplants show a coefficient of determination higher than 0.96. Finally, the methodology is validated by means of a case study of an actual RPAS, where the best powerplant is selected in terms of endurance. © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Royal Aeronautical Society.