Brushless direct current motor efficiency characterization

Abstract

The use of a compact lightweight efficient propulsion system is one of the main technological requirements for a long endurance electric Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Currently the most popular trend is to use a permanent magnet brushless direct current (BLDC) model motor. This type of motor is used because of its efficiency which can be greater than 90% when optimally driven. However the majority of manufacturers do not provide adequate performance response profiles throughout the specified motor applied voltage range. This paper presents a methodology to characterize the BLDC efficiency.