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Drone Technologies and Applications
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.1001987
features such as large size, noisy operation, and combustion and explosion due to fuel.
Although hydrogen fuel cell drones have positive features such as using renewable and
environmentally friendly energy, higher energy efficiency than batteries,
long flight
time, and short refueling, they have disadvantages such as excessive heat generation
and low operating efficiency. Solar drones,
on the other hand, have low operating
costs and are lightweight but have limited flight time.
According to the motor type, drone types are divided into brushed and brushless.
Brushed motors are the type of motor used in recreational drones. Although these
engines are inexpensive, they require much maintenance. The larger the dimensions
of these engines, the greater their power. Most motors are not in direct contact with
the propeller.
Brushless motors, being in connection with the rotor, reduce the need
for maintenance and increase operating efficiency. It has much higher power than
brushless motors. However, since this type of drone motor predominantly works with
alternating current, each motor must have an electronic speed controller (ESC) that
adjusts its rotation speed [3].
3. Main structural elements of drones
3.1 Frame
The drone body is the main skeleton system where all drone parts are placed
(
Figure 7
). The drone body can be compared to the chassis in computers. The
propellers, motors, battery, camera, and receivers fit into the fuselage and are
ready to do their job. It has an “X” style design with four arms extending from
the middle body. All other parts are in the body, especially the rotors, battery,
cards, and camera. If we compare it with the human anatomy,
the body forms the
skeleton of the drone. F330, F450, and F550 models are the most preferred drone
bodies. The most important criteria in choosing these bodies are the ease of spare
parts supply, suitability of the price/quality ratio, and the performance it provides.
Despite its high price, the QAV250 fiber carbon material is another preferred drone
body because the carbon-fiber material reduces the possibility of breakage in case
of falling [4].
Figure 7.
Drone frame.