The environment is a key variable affecting the endurance of drones. Different environments, by altering factors such as battery activity, air resistance, and power load, can lead to variations in endurance.
1. Temperature
Temperature directly determines the discharge efficiency and capacity of lithium polymer batteries, being the most significant environmental factor affecting endurance. Both high and low temperatures will cause a significant reduction in endurance. Only the normal temperature range can maintain the best endurance.
Under normal temperature conditions, the battery activity is optimal, and the discharge capacity can reach 95%-100% of the rated capacity, which is the peak endurance range for drones. Consumer-grade drones can maintain the nominal endurance (20-40 minutes) at this temperature, while industrial-grade models maintain a stable endurance of 1-2 hours. Excessive temperature or low temperature will increase battery energy consumption, thereby reducing the endurance time.
2. Wind speed
Wind speed affects the air resistance and power load of the drone, changing the intensity of energy consumption. Crosswind and headwind have a significant impact on endurance, while tailwind can slightly increase endurance. The overall difference increases with the wind speed level.
In a gentle wind environment, the air resistance is small, and the drone does not need to consume additional power to counteract the wind resistance, making it the most suitable flight condition. Strong wind will increase air resistance and reduce endurance.
3. Terrain
Terrain changes the flight altitude difference and air flow stability, affecting the frequency of ascent/descent and power load of the drone. Mountainous and urban complex terrain have significant endurance degradation. Flat and open terrain have more stable endurance.
Flat/open terrain: The terrain is flat and the air flow is stable, requiring no frequent ascent/descent, allowing for constant-speed flight, suitable for long-endurance operations.
Mountainous/Hill: The terrain has large fluctuations in elevation, requiring frequent ascent/descent to adjust the height. The ascent energy consumption is 2-3 times that of level flight, and valleys and slopes are prone to turbulence.
Urban: High-rise buildings cause air flow disorder and signal blockage, requiring frequent avoidance of obstacles, frequent acceleration/deceleration, and turning, increasing energy consumption. Additionally, the reflection of air flow by buildings will intensify the vibration of the aircraft， further consuming energy.
4. Precipitation
Being exposed to rain on the aircraft will increase weight and resistance, and the motors and electronic speed controllers are prone to moisture, increasing energy consumption. Moderate to heavy rain will increase the risk of equipment short circuit, and most drones are prohibited from flying. Even waterproof models will have a corresponding reduction in endurance in heavy rain.
5. High humidity
Batteries and motors are prone to moisture oxidation, reducing discharge efficiency. Long-term flight in a high-humidity environment will accelerate equipment aging and exacerbate endurance reduction.
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