Determining the Viability of Drones for Medical Delivery Service - a Limited Study for Metro Manila

• Main Authors: Alde, Aeron Deine A., Cua, Sean Austin G., Jao, Karl Andre M.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2022
• Subjects: drone design; delivery services; brushless DC motor characterization; Engineering
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2022/poster_csr/4
• Institution: De La Salle University

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of many people in many different ways, including limiting the ability of medicines and medical items to be delivered reliably and punctually. In this paper, a study is conducted in order to determine the viability of drone delivery services, specifically in the Philippines. A sample powertrain composed of a brushless DC motor and propeller, driven by Electronic Speed Controller was characterized, measuring thrust and air velocity at various power settings. The characterization and analysis provide promising results, showing feasible flight speeds of above 50 kph and a round-trip range of 8.8 km at 55% power carrying a small load of 100 grams. Larger payload weight, or longer flight distances appear to be possible, with changes in battery specifications and / or higher-efficiency brushless motors.