Energy consumption models for delivery drones: A comparison and assessment

Energy consumption is a critical constraint for drone delivery operations to achieve their full potential of providing fast delivery, reducing cost, and cutting emissions. This paper provides a uniform framework to facilitate understanding different drone energy consumption models and the inter-relationships between key factors and performance measures to facilitate decision making for drone delivery operations. We review, classify and assess drone energy consumption models. We then document the very wide variations in the modeled energy consumption rates resulting from differences in: (1) the scopes and features of the models; (2) the specific designs of the drones; and (3) the details of their assumed operations and uses. The results show that great care must be taken in adopting a particular drone energy consumption model and that more research is needed, especially empirical research, to ensure the selected model accurately reflects delivery drone designs and uses.

Automated summary

Energy consumption is a critical constraint for drone delivery operations to achieve their full potential. This paper provides a uniform framework to facilitate understanding different drone energy consumption models and emphasizes the importance of careful model selection. More research, especially empirical research, is needed to ensure the accuracy of selected models in reflecting delivery drone designs and uses.