Digitized, legally compliant and low-emission airmobile inspection and network data collection with automated drones
The aim of the DNeD project is to investigate and test an intelligent flight-capable system that automatically inspects overhead lines and is capable of setting down a sensor on it to record electrical variables in the medium and high-voltage grid. The flight platform has to plan and carry out the flight path as well as the setting down independently under the prevailing boundary conditions such as wind or type of line routing. During the execution, all relevant data will be received on a control station, intelligently processed and visualized so that they can be easily interpreted by a human operator at any time.
The following video demonstrades the main idea of this project:
If the video does not run at all or without sound, you can also find it HERE on Youtube.
The project ties in with the previous deployment practice of UAS in the field of inspection tasks. It is no longer intended to measure only without contact, but for the first time a measuring system for the acquisition of electrical quantities is to be set down on an energized overhead line to be inspected. This expansion will result in significant savings for network operators, as the time-consuming inspection by human personnel will be almost completely eliminated and lines will no longer have to be switched off. In addition, the application range of UAS is significantly extended, as not only safe automated flight within electric fields becomes possible, but also the precise dropping of loads on moving surfaces.
This is our team:
At the Chair of Control Engineering, the focus is on studies of drone navigation within electric fields. It is expected that the standard sensor technology used will be partially disturbed by the surrounding field. Consequently, alternative sensors need to be evaluated. Particular attention will also be paid to appropriate sensor data fusion to ensure robust flight control.
The project is funded by the Center for Digitization and Technology Research of the German Armed Forces (DTEC.Bw) and runs from 01.11.2020 to 31.12.2024. The project is managed by the Chair of Control Engineering. Contact person is Prof. Joachim Horn
If you would like to become part of this exciting development process or learn more about this topic, please contact Alexander Schulzke.
In house partners
Chair of Electrical Power Systems
Contributing partners
Funded by
Letzte Änderung: 8. February 2024