Rapport technique sur l'uniformité de pulvérisation des drones ABZ Innovation

Rapport technique sur l'uniformité de pulvérisation de l'ABZ Drones agricoles innovants

1.0 Introduction

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are revolutionizing product application in agriculture. Their ability to operate in complex terrains, reduce soil compaction, and enable precise, targeted applications offers significant advantages over traditional ground-based and manned aerial methods. However, the efficacy and environmental safety of drone-based spraying are contingent upon achieving a uniform distribution of the applied product across the target area. Non-uniform application can lead to under-dosing, which reduces product efficacy and can contribute to pest resistance, or over-dosing, which can cause crop damage, increase input costs, and pose risks to non-target organisms and the surrounding environment.

This report provides a technical overview of the key operational parameters that determine spraying uniformity, with a specific focus on the ABZ Innovation L10 and L30 models. It places a specific focus on flight speed, flight height, and droplet size, which can be precisely controlled using the advanced Controlled Droplet Application (CDA) technology integrated into these models. This document synthesizes established principles from scientific literature with extensive internal testing to present performance and coverage data for the L10 and L30 models.

2.0 Factors Influencing Spraying Uniformity

The distribution of spray droplets from an ABZ Innovation drone is a complex process influenced by the aircraft’s aerodynamics, nozzle technology, and prevailing environmental conditions. The following sections detail the critical role of operator-controlled parameters in achieving a uniform spray swath, with principles backed by our internal research.

2.1 Hauteur de vol

The height at which an L10 or L30 drone operates above the crop canopy is a critical factor influencing swath width, droplet deposition, and drift potential.

Swath Width and Uniformity: Both industry research and our internal validation studies show that as flight height increases, the effective swath width generally increases. Our tests confirm that a lower flight height (e.g., 1.5-2.5 meters above the canopy) results in a higher concentration of droplets directly beneath the drone’s flight path and better canopy penetration due to the powerful downwash from the rotors on the L10 and L30.
Drift Potential: Our field data, consistent with industry research, shows that higher flight altitudes increase the time droplets are airborne, making them more susceptible to wind and increasing the risk of off-target drift.
Canopy Penetration: The downwash generated by the L10 and L30’s rotors is essential for forcing droplets into the crop canopy. Our internal studies have focused on optimizing this effect, confirming that the strength of this downwash effect diminishes with increasing altitude. Therefore, for crops with dense canopies, a lower flightheight is preferable.

2.2 Vitesse de vol

Flight speed interacts with flight height and flow rate to determine the application volume and the uniformity of deposition.

Deposition and Coverage: Increasing flight speed without a corresponding increase in flow rate would normally reduce the volume of product applied per unit area. However, the ABZ Innovation L10 and L30 solve this challenge by automatically adjusting the liquid flow rate in real-time to match the drone’s speed, ensuring the target application rate (e.g., L/ha) is consistently maintained. While faster speeds increase operational efficiency, our tests show they can still affect the spray pattern’s shape.
Optimal Speed Range: Our performance trials, supported by academic research, indicate that there is an optimal speed range for most applications. Our findings show a flight velocity of 2-6 m/s often provides the best balance of deposition efficiency and reduced ground loss. The ideal speed for an L10 or L30 is crop- and product-dependent.

2.3 Taille des gouttelettes et application contrôlée des gouttelettes (CDA)

Droplet size is arguably one of the most critical factors in spray application, directly impacting coverage, drift, and biological efficacy. The ABZ Innovation L10 and L30 excel in this area due to their integrated CDA systems.

Coverage vs. Drift: Smaller droplets provide better coverage (more droplets per unit area) but are also more prone to drift. Larger droplets are less susceptible to drift but may provide inadequate coverage. The ideal droplet size, therefore, represents a balance between these two factors.
Controlled Droplet Application (CDA): The ABZ Innovation L10 and L30 models are equipped with state-of-the-art CDA systems. Unlike conventional hydraulic nozzles that produce a wide spectrum of droplet sizes, our CDA systems use rotary atomizers to generate a narrow, highly uniform range of droplet sizes. This allows the operator to select the optimal droplet size for a specific application.
Research Findings: The efficacy of the L10 and L30’s CDA technology is validated by our own extensive research, which aligns with foundational studies on droplet dynamics. Our tests confirm that increasing droplet size significantly reduces drift. The ability of the L10 and L30 to precisely control droplet size is a key, verifiable advantage.

3.0 Couverture estimée des gouttelettes sur le terrain pour ABZ Innovation

Les fiches techniques suivantes fournissent des estimations prudentes des densités de gouttelettes pouvant être atteintes par les modèles L10 et L30. Ces valeurs sont issues de nos essais complets sur le terrain et sont représentatives des performances réelles, en tenant compte de facteurs tels que l'interception par la canopée, les gouttes mineures et l'évaporation. Une cible courante pour de nombreuses applications est de 20 à 70 gouttelettes/cm² afin de garantir l'efficacité.

3.1 Modèles L10 et L30 – Densité estimée des gouttelettes (gouttelettes/cm²)

Dose d'application (L/ha)	de fines gouttelettes (diamètre médian volumique ~150 µm)	de gouttelettes moyennes (VMD d'environ 250 µm)	s de gouttelettes grossières (diamètre médian volumique ~350 µm)
10	~40–70	~15–30	~8–15
20	~80–140	~30–60	~15–30
30	~120–210	~45–90	~20–45
40	~160–280	~60–120	~30–60
50	~200–350	~75–150	~40–75
60	~240–420	~90–180	~50–90

Note: Actual droplet density can vary based on crop type, canopy density, flight parameters, and environmental conditions.

4.0 Données de performance et dynamique de la bande de travail

A key feature of the ABZ Innovation L10 and L30’s advanced flightcontrol system is the automatic flow rate adjustment. The pilot sets a target application rate (e.g., Liters per Hectare or Gallons per Acre) before the mission. During flight, the system continuously monitors the drone’s ground speed and automatically adjusts the liquid flow from the CDA system to maintain this precise rate. This ensures a consistent and even application across the entire field, even as the drone accelerates, decelerates, or navigates turns. This automation removes the guesswork from rate control and is fundamental to achieving uniform coverage.

4.1 ABZ Innovation L10:

Swath Profile vs. Flight Height The following charts illustrate the L10’s spray deposition pattern as a percentage of the average coverage across the swath. A flatter line indicates better uniformity (a lower Coefficient of Variation).

Les graphiques suivants illustrent le profil de dépôt de pulvérisation du L10 en pourcentage de la couverture moyenne sur toute la largeur de travail. Une ligne droite indique une meilleure uniformité (un coefficient de variation plus faible).

Graphique 4.1.1 : L10 à une hauteur de 2 mètres

Effective Swath: 4.5 meters
Pattern: Highly concentrated with a peak of ~140% of the average rate at the center.
Best Use: Targeted application where high concentration is needed.

Graphique 4.1.2 : L10 à une hauteur de 3 mètres

Effective Swath: 5.0 meters
Pattern: More balanced, with a less pronounced central peak (~120%).
Utilisation optimale : Usage général, bon équilibre entre couverture et pénétration.

Graphique 4.1.3 : L10 à une hauteur de 4 mètres

Effective Swath: 5.5 meters
Pattern: Wide and uniform, with most of the swath near the 100% average.
Best Use: Field crops, maximizing coverage with overlap.

Graphique 4.1.4 : L10 à une hauteur de 5 mètres

Effective Swath: 6.0 meters
Pattern: Broadest and most even, designed for overlapping passes.
Best Use: Maximum efficiency on large, open fields (e.g., pasture, cereals).

4.2 ABZ Innovation L30: Swath Profile vs. Flight Height

Le L30, plus grand, présente une relation similaire entre la hauteur et l'uniformité, mais sur une bande plus large.

Graphique 4.2.1 : L30 à une hauteur de 3 mètres

Effective Swath: 7.0 meters
Pattern: Concentrated for a wide drone like the L30, with a peak of ~125%.
Best Use: High-volume applications on row crops or orchards.

Graphique 4.2.2 : L30 à une hauteur de 4 mètres

Effective Swath: 8.0 meters
Pattern: Excellent uniformity, with a wide, flat deposition pattern.
Best Use: The standard for broadacre crops like corn and soybeans.

Graphique 4.2.3 : L30 à une hauteur de 5 mètres

Effective Swath: 9.0 meters
Pattern: Extremely wide and uniform, designed for maximum productivity.
Best Use: Large-scale preventative treatments where efficiency is paramount.

4.3 Adjusting Flight Speed for Spray Pattern Refinement

Bien que le système intelligent des modèles L10 et L30 ajuste automatiquement le débit afin de maintenir le taux d'application cible (L/ha) quelle que soit la vitesse, la vitesse du vent joue toujours un rôle crucial dans la définition de la forme du jet et son interaction avec les cultures.

Faster Speed for Enhanced Uniformity: As the drone moves faster, the surrounding airflow interacts more dynamically with the spray droplets. This can create a “feathering” effect at the edges of the spray swath, resulting in a softer, more gradual taper. This effect can lead to an even more seamless blend between overlapping passes, further enhancing field-level uniformity, especially when flying at higher altitudes for maximum efficiency.
Slower Speed for Canopy Penetration: A slower speed allows the powerful downwash from the rotors to have a more direct and prolonged impact on the crop canopy below. This focused energy is ideal for driving droplets deep into dense canopies, ensuring the product reaches lower leaves and stems where pests and diseases may hide.

Operators can therefore use speed as a final tool for refinement: use a faster speed to achieve the highest level of uniformity on open field crops, and a slower speed when maximum canopy penetration is the primary goal.

4.4 Obtenir une couverture uniforme du terrain avec chevauchement

The key to achieving true field-level uniformity is the precise overlapping of each spray pass. As the charts above show, the deposition rate naturally tapers off at the edges of a single swath. By setting the correct swath width in the flight planning software, the system ensures that the tapered edge of one pass is perfectly compensated by the tapered edge of the adjacent pass. This technique smooths out the minor variations from each individual line, resulting in a highly consistent application across the entire field.

Chart 4.4.1: Uniform Field Coverage Through Overlapping Swaths

Ce graphique illustre comment les bords effilés de deux passages de pulvérisation adjacents se combinent pour créer une application homogène et uniforme. L'objectif est que la somme de la couverture dans la zone de chevauchement soit égale au taux cible (100 %).

Exemple utilisant un profil simplifié à passage unique :

Result: The dip in coverage at the edge of Pass 1 (down to 50%) is perfectly filled by the start of Pass 2 (which provides the other 50%), resulting in a continuous, even application at the target rate (100%) across the entire field.

5.0 Conclusion

The effective and responsible application of agricultural products is dependent on the precise control of operational parameters. As demonstrated by our extensive internal testing and supported by the body of scientificresearch, flight height, flight speed, and droplet size are critical factors that must be optimized to ensure a uniform spray distribution. The ABZ Innovation L10 and L30 drones, equipped with advanced CDA systems, provide applicators with the necessary tools to control these parameters with a high degree of precision. The ability to select an optimal droplet size, combined with adherence to recommended flight speeds and heights, allows the L10 and L30 to achieve consistent, uniform coverage. This level of control supports modern precision agriculture by:

Maximizing Efficacy: Uniform coverage ensures the proper dose is applied.
Minimizing Environmental Impact: Precise control reduces off-target drift.
Enhancing Safety: Applying product only where needed creates a safer environment.

We are confident that the ABZ Innovation L10 and L30 agricultural drones represent a safe, effective, and reliable platform for aerial application.

6.0 Références

Chen, S., Lan, Y., Li, J., Zhou, Z., Liu, A., & Mao, Y. (2020). Effect of Droplet Size Parameters on Droplet Deposition and Drift of Aerial Spraying by Using Plant Protection UAV. Agronomy, 10(2), 195.
Giles, D. K., & Billing, R. C. (2024). Agricultural spray drone deposition, Part 2: operational height and nozzle influence pattern uniformity, drift, and weed control. Weed Science, 72(6), 633-643.
Ingle, R. G., Kamble, A. K., Thakare, S. H., Gajakos, A. V., & Karale, D. S. (2024). Performance evaluation of UAV sprayer on cotton crop. International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research, 8(12), 502-506.
Li, X., Giles, D. K., Niederholzer, F. J., & Andaloro, J. T. (2022). Effect of flight velocity on droplet deposition and drift of combined pesticides sprayed using an unmanned aerial vehicle sprayer in a peach orchard. Frontiers in Plant Science, 13, 981494. https://doi.org/10.3390/fpls.2022.981494
Lou, Z., Xin, F., Li, J., Ruan, C., & Han, X. (2024). Spray deposition and uniformity assessment of unmanned aerial application systems (UAAS) at varying operational parameters. Frontiers in Agronomy, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fagro.2024.1418623 Panday, S., Maharjan, S., & Shrestha, S. (2024). Effects of Flight Heights and Nozzle Types on Spray Characteristics of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Sprayer in Common Field Crops. AgriEngineering, 7(2), 22. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering7020022
Wang, C., Song, J., He, X., Wang, Z., Wang, S., & Meng, Y. (2023). Evaluation of Spray Drift of Plant Protection Drone Nozzles Based on Wind Tunnel Test. Agriculture, 13(3), 628. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13030628