The invention of AC and DC power grids in the 20th century brought about significant advancements in transmission line inspections. Initially, manual ground inspections were the norm, with limited use of helicopters in the 1970s due to high costs and low cost-effectiveness. However, with the advent of multi-rotor UAVs, a revolutionary transformation has taken place in terms of inspection efficiency, quality, and safety.
Compared to helicopters, multi-rotor UAVs offer distinct advantages. They have become a game-changer in the electric power industry, addressing the limitations of traditional manual inspections. The rapid proliferation of drones in the field of electric power has met the urgent need for improved inspection capabilities.
Presently, the application of drones in the electric power sector is still in its early stages. Organizations started becoming aware of drones around 2014, began exploring their potential in 2015, and initiated practical applications in 2016. Large-scale implementation and extensive adoption will naturally take time. In the future, drones are expected to replace manual patrols entirely, conduct maintenance work under specific conditions, mitigate operational risks, and enhance work efficiency.
The exceptional growth of multi-rotor drones in the power industry can be attributed to significant technological advancements in image transmission, flight control, and anti-interference capabilities. These breakthroughs have overcome previous limitations and unlocked the full potential of drone operations. This technological progress, stimulating innovation, has increased productivity and generated economic benefits.
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Transmission lines play a crucial role in the power system, covering vast areas with challenging operating environments. Ensuring their safety is vital for reliable power supply. However, due to the complexity and harshness of transmission line operations, maintaining and managing them poses difficulties, high work intensity, and operational risks. The rapid development and application of UAV technology have quietly revolutionized the traditional mode of operation and maintenance for transmission lines.
The significant growth in drone utilization within the electric power sector can be attributed to two major factors: internal demand and external technological progress. The intrinsic need for improved safety and efficiency drives the adoption of drones. Simultaneously, advancements in technology further enable their effective implementation.
Regarding the UAV power system, often referred to as the “heart” of the drone, different power sources categorize UAVs into oil-powered, electric, solid oxide fuel, solar-powered, and hybrid types. Electric drones are widely used, with emerging dual-powered UAVs on the horizon. The power system of dual-powered UAVs combines an electric drive with a conventional engine. A gasoline generator charges the battery, and a DC-DC converter reconnects the battery. The power system includes components such as batteries, a gasoline generator, and recording equipment like cameras, lighting, and communication devices. This setup allows for a smaller and more efficient power system compared to using a standalone gasoline engine alone. However, it lacks the energy recovery capability found in hybrids, which harvest energy from braking. Hybrid UAVs offer a combination of excellent take-off and climbing performance, quiet operation, and extended endurance.
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