Summary
This work presents a simulation framework for inspecting overhead power lines using a drone carrying a thermal camera. The idea is to combine drone flight control with thermal imaging in one practical inspection procedure that can be easily used by utility maintenance teams.
Read more Read lessThe inspection path is generated using pole location data to follow the line corridor between structures. UAV motion is simulated with a simplified model that reflects low speed inspection flights. To achieve reliable tracking, the effects of sensor noise, wind, and electromagnetic interference are taken into account through state estimation, which helps the UAV stay close to the intended path, even in sections with sharp changes in direction. Guidance parameters are tuned to balance tracking accuracy and stable flight behaviour.
For the inspection part, the thermal images are processed to detect abnormal temperature areas on the line components. The method looks for clear overheating as well as smaller temperature changes that may indicate early stage faults.
In general, the simulation showed that the drone can follow the planned route with good accuracy and the thermal processing can clearly identify overheated components. This confirms that drone inspection can make maintenance safer, faster, and more organized compared to traditional patrol methods.
Additional informations
| Publication type | Session Materials |
|---|---|
| Reference | B2_11901_2026 |
| Publication year | |
| Publisher | CIGRE |
| Country | Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of |
| Study committees | |
| File size | 1 MB |
| Price for non member | 30 € |
| Price for member | 30 € |
Authors
IBRAHIM Ahmad; ABDELAL Sawsan; ABABNEH Bara’a; ALEIDEH Dareen
