A Practical Algorithm for Multirotor System Design and Evaluation

Multirotors have attracted much attention in recent years. During the design phase, both designers and users are often curious about whether an assembled multirotor can meet their expectations, including hover endurance, system efficiency, maximum load capacity, maximum pitch angle, and maximum flight distance. Traditionally, multirotor performance evaluation involves multiple flight tests or relying on experience, which can be time-consuming and expensive. To solve this challenge, this algorithm is proposed for extensive offline design and evaluation. This algorithm primarily focuses on performance metrics linked to the propulsion system, encompassing components such as motors, propellers, electronic speed controllers, and batteries. In the initial stage of our research, we establish models for these propulsion system components. Notably, the input for these models comprises technical specifications provided by manufacturers. Using these models and their interrelationships, equations were formulated to describe different performance indicators. Then these equations were solved to perform performance evaluation. The effectiveness of this evaluation method is shown through an example developed by a powerful and user-friendly software that enables users to access the performance evaluation approach presented in this article.