Chinese researchers have achieved a milestone in drone technology with the development of the world’s smallest and lightest solar-powered drone, known as the CoulombFly. This innovative creation is poised to advance the field of micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) significantly.
Breakthrough Design
CoulombFly – Developed by a team at Beihang University, the CoulombFly drone weighs an astonishing 4.21 grams and has a wingspan of just 20 centimeters. Its design allows it to fly indefinitely under sunlight, overcoming one of the key limitations faced by previous small drones with short flight durations.
Innovative Technology
The drone’s remarkable performance is attributed to its use of an electrostatic motor, which provides a significant advantage over traditional electromagnetic motors, particularly at smaller scales. Electrostatic motors avoid the efficiency losses that plague electromagnetic counterparts, enabling the tiny drone to generate enough lift to stay aloft.
Additionally, the researchers have developed a lightweight boost converter that can elevate the voltage from less than 100 volts to a staggering 9,000 volts. This boost converter has a step-up ratio 92 percent higher than similar technologies previously developed, such as those at Stanford University. The high-voltage output drives the electrostatic motor, which is crucial for the drone’s operation.
Future Applications and Developments
The CoulombFly represents a leap forward in the potential applications of MAVs. Researchers foresee a future where swarms of these tiny drones could be employed in various fields including:
Photography – Capturing unique perspectives with high mobility.
Disaster Relief – Providing real-time surveillance and aid in challenging conditions.
Environmental Monitoring – Tracking wildlife and assessing environmental changes with minimal disturbance.
While the current prototype is limited in payload capacity, the team remains optimistic about future developments that will enhance the drone’s capabilities.
Next Steps
Building on this success, the research team at Beihang University is already working on an even smaller version of the drone. Their goal is to develop a prototype that weighs just 9 milligrams and has a wingspan of only 8 centimeters. This next-generation drone could push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of micro aerial technology.
The CoulombFly’s development has been documented in a recent publication in the journal Nature, marking a significant advancement in the field of drone technology and promising exciting possibilities for the future.
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