Ishikawa Energy Research

The right type of drone can transform a workflow and become an integral asset of an organization. Today, drones are used for varied applications, but the unanimous need is for higher payloads and longer flight time capabilities.

One company that aims to achieve this through its line of engine-driven drones is Ishikawa Energy Research. It raises the bar of what a drone can accomplish through its line of multi-copter drones powered by no-vibration engines. The self-designed, highly engineered drones can handle heavier payloads and fly further.

“The engines stay well within the vibration threshold for the drone’s IMU, preventing loss of control,” says Mitsuru Ishikawa, CEO of Ishikawa Energy Research.

Its cornerstone is the patented, under-development Hybrid Flyer line, the model’s engineering excellence a reflection of its skilled workforce.

Previously, manufacturing multi-copter drones was a far-fetched scenario due to the internal combustion (IC) engine’s vibration causing mechanical failure. Ishikawa expertly eliminates vibration using an opposed-piston twin crankshaft (OTC) engine for its advanced UAV line.

Under the Hybrid Flyer line, two hybrid models are being developed. The Series Hybrid UAV carries up to six kilograms of payload and can fly for 90 minutes.

Its engines drive the generators to produce electricity, which powers the motors and subsequently turns the propellers to generate thrust.

The Parallel Hybrid UAV uses two main rotors that are directly driven by the OTC engine, which generates thrust. Electric motors drive four small, sub-rotors while balancing the aircraft. The drone has two crankshafts, each with its own generator, which drives both main rotors.

The Parallel Hybrid UAV is undergoing flight testing and will begin production in the upcoming years. The flight time will extend to 90 minutes, a massive accomplishment for a UAV with a predicted payload capacity of 60 kilograms.

In this model, the pistons move in reverse to one another while the crankshafts rotate in a similar motion, canceling vibrations and torque fluctuations. The drone is designed to greatly reduce the loss of flight efficiency.

The hybrid drones are powered by IC engines that require high energy density fuel, like gasoline and petrol. Ishikawa Energy Research plans to switch from fossil fuel to biofuel or synthetic fuel to be sustainable without affecting the drone’s capabilities.
Also offered is a market-ready, battery-powered UAV line for industrial and professional use. The two UAV models currently available are the Agriflyer and the Buildflyer.

The Agriflyer drops pesticide pellets and sprays pesticide on rice fields. It can cover one hectare in about ten minutes. The Buildflyer is optimal for photography and other landscape analysis work. It can fly up to 25 minutes with a 5 kilogram payload, or maintain 45 minutes of air time with no load.

Each of Ishikawa’s drone frames is made of durable, lightweight magnesium alloys whose elasticity significantly dampens vibrations. The electric speed controllers (ESC) are situated in a magnesium arm, which acts as a heatsink and protects the ESC from damage as well.

Aside from its drone lines, Ishikawa is using the specialized engines to develop generators for use in equipment like electric vehicle extenders. It is also developing organic absorption and ejector cooling technologies, which can utilize the waste heat generated by IC engines to generate a cooling effect.

Ishikawa Energy Research vastly improves carry weight and flight efficiencies, elevating the standard of drones for industrial and professional use through its expertly-designed models.