This week, a groundbreaking advancement in drone technology took flight as researchers from Beihang University in Beijing introduced CoulombFly, a palm-sized solar-powered drone. Weighing less than a single sheet of paper, CoulombFly stands as a marvel of engineering, boasting continuous flight capabilities powered solely by natural sunlight.
Traditionally, micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) like CoulombFly have been limited by their short flight durations, often unable to stay aloft for more than a few minutes due to energy constraints. However, the innovative electrostatic motor developed by the research team marks a significant leap forward. Unlike conventional electromagnetic motors that tend to overheat and lose efficiency at high speeds, CoulombFly's motor operates using the Coulomb force between electrically charged particles at rest, enabling sustained rotating motion without the excessive heat buildup.
Lead researcher Qi Mingjing explained that this breakthrough addresses a persistent challenge in the field: smaller drones have less surface area to capture sunlight, thereby limiting energy generation. By harnessing the Coulomb force, the CoulombFly achieves over ten times the energy conversion efficiency of traditional motors while consuming less than one-tenth of the power needed for the same lift. This enhancement allows the drone to maintain continuous flight as long as it receives sunlight, a feat previously unattainable with natural light alone.
A demonstration video showcased CoulombFly's capabilities, illustrating how the motor creates a circle of electric charges to generate the necessary twisting force for sustained blade rotation, similar to that of a helicopter. Co-author Peng Jinzhe highlighted that the motor's reliance on static electricity—characterized by high voltage and low current—significantly reduces heat generation, thereby enhancing overall efficiency.
The implications of this technology are vast. CoulombFly is poised to become an essential tool in various applications, from environmental monitoring and search-and-rescue missions to navigating confined spaces for object detection and item transportation. Professor Yan Xiaojun emphasized that with further development, CoulombFly's motor technology could revolutionize emergency rescue operations and narrow space detection, offering reliable and efficient solutions in critical scenarios.
Published in the journal Nature, this study not only showcases the ingenuity of Beihang University's research team but also sets a new standard in the realm of sustainable and efficient drone technology. As CoulombFly takes to the skies, it represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of versatile and long-lasting micro aerial vehicles.
Reference(s):
Researchers develop tiny solar-powered drones for extended flight
cgtn.com
