Monitoring of power electrical networks using unmanned aerial vehicles

Abstract

In this paper, the main existing problems of monitoring power system objects are outlined, because the regular inspection of electrical power system devices and apparatus allows to evaluate a technical condition, to detect presence of defects and to prevent emergency situations. The paper carries out an analysis of promising solutions in the process of inspecting the technical condition of objects or emergency sections of power grids using drones. The article considers the definition, advantages, and disadvantages of unmanned aerial vehicles, provides a list of tasks that they can perform, considering their own design and technical parameters. The main components of the structural control scheme of an unmanned aerial vehicle and the possibilities of expanding, improving, and eliminating existing shortcomings are described. Existing technologies for automatic control, detection and tracking of electric overhead lines and devices by an unmanned aerial vehicle are described. The basic principle of operation of thermal field and electromagnetic field sensors is analyzed as the most promising to date in determining the malfunction of devices. Firstly, in the case of a fault, objects can produce thermal energy and partial discharges, which the sensor is able to measure at a distance and convert into temperature. Secondly, the electromagnetic field around the objects changes in the event of the same damage, and measuring the value of this parameter with a special sensor allows to detect damage. The issues of ensuring the protection of the communication channel between the ground unit and the drone from intruders and information security of data exchange are also considered. The possibilities of developing existing technologies to improve the process of monitoring the general technical condition of the electrical network, searching for damaged electrical sections and devices, automating the control process, and reducing the cost of the device are analyzed.