Industry news--Karmin Electronic (HK) Limited

China develops micro turbine engine: can be used for drones with 40 times higher energy density than batteries
2025-09-01

According to media reports, Jiang Kaichun, a member of the European Academy of Sciences and director of the Haina Power System Research Center at the Zhejiang Tsinghua Yangtze River Delta Research Institute, and his team are committed to building a more powerful "heart" for drones - a micro turbine engine, with the goal of enabling drones to fly higher, farther, and longer.

The current "low altitude economy" is flourishing, with applications of drones and aerial vehicles expanding from aerial food delivery to high-speed transportation of fresh food in high mountains, demonstrating broad prospects. Jiang Kaichun pointed out that in order to further unleash its potential, the aircraft must achieve breakthroughs in endurance, payload capacity, and environmental protection.

For this reason, the team has chosen an innovative path: developing a micro turbine engine. Jiang Kaichun introduced that the energy density of fuel engines is generally 30 to 40 times higher than that of batteries. At present, the range of lithium battery powered drones on the market is mostly between 30 minutes and 3 hours, and their engines can achieve continuous flight for 20-30 hours and ensure a takeoff weight of about 200 kilograms.

In terms of environmental protection, this engine can use clean energy such as green methanol, ammonia, or hydrogen to achieve zero carbon emissions throughout the entire process, combining efficiency and sustainability.

Although the technology is still in the intensive testing stage, the team has obtained multiple enterprise orders. Jiang Kaichun revealed, "It is expected that unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with our engines will have test flights over Jiaxing by the end of this year

Prev：Dual channel single pole double throw analog switch with force core micro push out negative signal transmission audio switch ET7428 Next：Bourns’ new shielded power inductor series features a metal alloy powder core with the ability to handle high currents and ultra-low DC resistan