Electric motor propulsion system performance with fixed pitch propellers

• Grant number: 25/15062-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Industrial Electronics, Electronic Systems and Controls
• Principal Investigator: Roberto Gil Annes da Silva
• Grantee: Rogério Astória Lazaro Oliveira
• Host Institution: Divisão de Engenharia Aeronáutica (IEA). Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA). Ministério da Defesa (Brasil). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil
• Company: Ministério da Defesa (Brasil). Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA). Divisão de Engenharia Mecânica (IEM)
• Associated research grant: 21/11258-5 - Engineering Research Center for the Aerial Mobility of the Future (ERC-AMF), AP.PCPE

Abstract

Propulsion units (motor, propeller, ESC) are typically optimized to deliver the required thrust with maximum endurance for a specific aircraft. Nevertheless, understanding the system's performance in off-design conditions is essential. Such situations encompass abrupt changes in electrical load, partial component failures, and alterations in environmental conditions. This study aims to analyze the behavior of electric propulsion systems under adverse conditions, focusing on the simulation and assessment of various control strategies.