Recently, the project of “The Rotorcraft UAVs Powerline Autonomous Inspection and Erection System” has won the First Prize of the 2012 Liaoning Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award. It was co-developed by Shenyang Institute of Automation (SIA), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Liaoning Electronic Power Company Limited and Jiangsu Power Transmission and Transformation Corporation

The rotorcraft UAVs autonomous powerline inspection and erection system consists of several parts, including a vehicle body, an autonomous flying control system, a loading system, a portable ground control station and a transport commanding car. It can perform ultra-low and ultra-slow flying as well as hovering, and doesn’t require much for the conditions of the take-off and landing field. By boarding visible-light imaging device and ir thermal imaging device, etc., it can conduct autonomous powerline inspection. The leading and autonomous laying of the pilot rope can be realized by the primary pilot rope laying device.

The system achieved several key technologies such as preventing electromagnetic interference and wind interference, multiple inspection methods, tension control and system integrated transportation, etc. Compared with regular inspection and pilot rope laying devices, the system can significantly reduce the cost of operation, enhance working efficiency and lower the impact of ground environment and facilities.

(Source: State Key Laboratory of Robotics, SIA)