Development of an experimental setup for propeller performance measurements

AtFlow Research Center, Technical University of Cluj Napoca, 400020, Cluj - Napoca, Romania

^* Corresponding author: Pugna.Au.Andreea@student.utcluj.ro

Abstract

With the increasing demand for efficient and adaptable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), optimizing propeller performance has become essential to enhancing energy efficiency and thrust. This study introduces a compact, cost-effective experimental setup designed specifically for testing drone propellers on a small scale, making it accessible for both research and educational applications. The setup integrates off-the-shelf components, including a brushless motor controlled by an electronic speed controller (ESC), a load cell for precise thrust measurement, and a custom-built current sensor for power consumption analysis. The experimental set-up enables real-time data acquisition and evaluation of propeller performance across various operating speeds. By testing two commercial propellers—a two-blade and a three-blade design—the setup demonstrates its ability to analyze thrust and efficiency trends effectively. This innovative framework bridges the gap between theoretical studies and practical UAV applications, providing a versatile and scalable platform for advancing UAV propulsion research.