After gathering lots of data on drones we thought it would be useful to pull together a simple drone power and energy estimation calculator. Plotting the average power demand, hovering demand and maximum power versus flight mass we start to see a relationship.
OK, this is log-log and so lots of scatter. Hence: use this with a lot of caution as a first back of the envelope estimate.
From this we get:
- average power demand [W] ~ 100 x takeoff mass [kg]
- hovering power demand [W] ~ 190 x takeoff mass [kg]
- maximum power demand [W] ~ 470 x takeoff mass [kg]
If we know the average power demand and the flight time we can estimate the energy required for the flight.
As stated earlier, this is a rough estimate. Read more about drones and their requirements.
This post has been built based on the support of and sponsorship from: Quarto Technical Services, Eatron Technologies and About:Energy
References
- Database of Drone Motors, Propellers & ESCs, Tyto Robotics