Control method of controlling the electric drive system

A control method of controlling an electric drive system by a control device for controlling the electric drive system mounted on an electric aircraft, wherein

• the electric drive system includes a drive motor configured to turn a rotor,
• the control device includes a processor programmed to selectively control the electric drive system in either normal mode or functional test mode,
• in the normal mode, which is an operation mode for flying the aircraft, the processor controls the drive motor in accordance with a command from a body control device configured to control flight of the aircraft, and
• in the functional test mode, which is an operation mode for verifying normality of the electric drive system while the aircraft is on the ground,
• the processor controls the drive motor to turn the rotor and thereby generate thrust while the aircraft is on the ground in accordance with:
• (i) a command sent from outside according to a functional test program, or
• (ii) the functional test program preset in the control device, and
• the functional test mode includes steps of:
• (i) controlling a drive unit to feed a current value and voltage value on a predetermined test pattern to the drive motor,
• (ii) measuring a value of at least one of a rotation speed sensor, a current sensor, and a voltage sensor installed in the electric drive system during the execution of the functional test, and
• (iii) determining a pass or fail of the functional test using acquired measurement results.