Fundamental study of the magnetic fields applied for efficient rotor drone thrust selection

Abstract

Energy-efficient design has become a priority research area in drone technology, with motor and aero foil selection playing a critical role in optimizing performance. This study develops a simulation-based framework that integrates magnetic field analysis and aerodynamic modelling to improve rotor drone efficiency. The primary research problem addressed is the need for aero foil pilot testing under real environmental conditions to identify the most suitable aero foil type for drones. Secondary and dependent problems, such as pilot test selection, test machine design, power supply, and payload capacity, are also considered. The methodology involves three key stages: (i) applying magnetism fundamentals to develop a complex magnetic field simulator for motor efficiency analysis, (ii) conducting aerodynamic simulations and benchmarking thrust performance across different aero foil designs, and (iii) integrating simulation results with pilot tests to validate drone performance. The outcomes enabled the selection of a high-efficiency motor–aero foil configuration. A prototype drone was subsequently developed and tested for coconut plucking applications, demonstrating the practical viability of combining magnetic and aerodynamic simulations for energy-efficient drone design.