YouTuber Luc Maximo Bell has been wondering for years whether a drone could fly indefinitely under the sun. He decided to build a drone that could fly without a battery, drawing all its power from solar panels.
YouTuber Luc Maximo Bell has been wondering for years whether a drone could fly indefinitely under the sun. He decided to build a drone that could fly without a battery, drawing all its power from solar panels.
In his drone, Bell used the T-Motor Antigravity MN4004 300kv — a lightweight, high-performance brushless motor designed for UAVs, writes Interesting Engineering.
This motor has an ultra-thin design to reduce weight. It also minimizes power dissipation by using a single thick copper winding. In addition, it is equipped with a unique cooling system for better heat dissipation and stability.
The drone uses solar panels to provide continuous power during long flights. These panels were attached to the drone's frame.
The drone also features T-Motor NS 18×6 propellers, which provide high thrust and efficiency, critical for long-duration flights. They provide long-lasting, stable flight, increased payload capacity, and better controllability. These lightweight propellers are made of high-strength materials.
Thanks to the ultra-lightweight carbon fiber construction, the propellers reduce the overall weight of the drone, significantly increasing efficiency and extending flight time. The scratch-resistant and durable material ensures reliable operation even in difficult conditions.
At takeoff, the engines generate 17 grams of lift per watt. Tethered experiments on a beach field started out rough: oscillations required lower gain ratios and longer cables. Once calibrated, the drone hovered steadily and almost silently. Next came the solar cells, and they had to be handled with care. Bell ordered 100 bare panels, which were lightweight but prone to cracking.
The drone also uses the T-Motor F60A Mini 8S ESC, which is a high-performance electronic speed controller. It features a compact 4-in-1 design, high current carrying capacity, low resistance, and supports high-voltage batteries up to 8S for demanding, high-speed builds.
