Sizing and efficiency models for the conceptual design of electric powertrains

Small electric aircraft (“drones”) have become common tools in a range of industries. However, engineers do not have the right tools to analyze a drone’s electric powertrain at the conceptual design stage. Aerospace literature describes empirical methods which require costly experimental data, and electrical literature describes computational tools which rely on design details which are unknown at the early design process. We have developed physics-based models that can predict the size and efficiency of drone motors, inverters/controllers, and batteries using readily-available information. We have tuned and validated the models against parametric experimental studies on a dynamometer and propeller test stand. We expect the models to help engineers develop better drone concepts more quickly.