Transmission Line Inspection Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Abstract

Power transmission line inspection is an essential task carried out by power generating units. The lines are exposed to the elements which increase the rate of deterioration of small faults and when not repaired in a time-efficient manner, they can become a serious problem. Current methods for inspection are labor intensive, expensive, tedious and error prone for humans to perform. A possible solution is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to perform the dull, dirty and dangerous task of power line inspections. This chapter elucidates the design and implementation of an UAV that inspects the transmission lines to detect any fault instantly. A Quad copter is chosen as the UAV form factor as its building cost is less compared to other UAV forms and it gives more flight time. This particular design uses four identical rotors mounted symmetrically; the result is a very stable flight platform. The Quadcopter has an on-board flight controller which runs complex algorithms to keep the UAV stable and resistant to wind drifts. The UAV is also packed with Global Positioning System (GPS), Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) Sensors, Couple of Radios, Power Electronic Converters, Battery, Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) Motors, Camera and so on. These electronic devices and algorithms make the UAV to go autonomously in the programmed path. Failsafe algorithms are also employed in the UAV to protect the system in case of any errors such as loss of signals or low battery where it automatically lands safe.