Effects of Optimizing Droplet Distribution at Particular Heights and Speeds Using Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) Control Algorithm in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Systems: A Review

Year 2025, Volume: 31 Issue: 3, 612 - 639, 29.07.2025

Mevlüt İnan , Ali Karci

https://doi.org/10.15832/ankutbd.1611010

Abstract

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used in agriculture to increase productivity, optimize resources, and ensure environmental sustainability. This study investigates the droplet distribution of UAVs in agricultural spraying and examines the effects of flight altitude and speed parameters. Experiments conducted on various plant species and tree structures demonstrate that these parameters play acrucial role in ensuring uniform droplet deposition and reducing pesticide use. Concrete recommendations are given to optimize UAV systems in agricultural spraying applications. The paper focuses specifically on the role of the Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control algorithm in improving spray parameters. It evaluates the effects of flight speed and altitude on droplet density and uniformity. A systematic literature review and analysis of experimental data support the methodology presented. The results demonstrate that the PID algorithm outperforms uncontrolled systems. This review synthesizes the existing literature to highlight the effectiveness of UAV-based spraying systems in terms of agricultural sustainability and opportunities for future research.

Keywords

PID controller, Unmanned aerial vehicle, Control algorithm, Droplet distribution, Agricultural sustainability, Optimization

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