Optimization of Propeller Performance for a Quadcopter Drone by Applying Aerodynamic Propeller-Ducts

This article aims to optimize the propeller performance for a quadcopter drone by applying aerodynamic propeller ducts. In this article, an experimental investigation was performed to improve the inefficiencies of quadcopter drones by minimizing the downwash effect of the propellers, what's commonly known as tip losses of the propellers by an aerodynamic device called the fan-duct or the propeller duct which is a cylindrical mounting that surrounds a mechanical fan is used to increase the thrust and subsequently the efficiency of propellers. This device is in use already in various applications. This paper aims to demonstrate the application of this device on quadcopter drones and validate the viability of using this device on such drones. Computational study was run for the propeller duct model, using Solidworks software. The experimental results demonstrated that the power demand required in a ducted propeller would roughly equal to 71% of the power demanded by an open propeller. This benefit from using ducts to optimize propellers, which is a close to analytical results. The exact 3D model of the optimized Propeller duct with complete design features is the main outcome of this research. The optimization and performance analysis methodology developed in this study can be used in broader fields such as reciprocating drones and the aerospace industries. A model is constructed by 3D printing technology to demonstrate the viability of applying the aerodynamic device on a physical drone supported by collected data from preliminary experimentation and flow observations.