초록 ▼

A monitoring system using a unique remotely piloted drone with dual counter rotating propellers and carrying electric field sensing, thermal infra-red imaging, video imaging, acoustic and corona discharge sensing equipment. The compact remotely piloted drone flies along a power corridor and is maint

A monitoring system using a unique remotely piloted drone with dual counter rotating propellers and carrying electric field sensing, thermal infra-red imaging, video imaging, acoustic and corona discharge sensing equipment. The compact remotely piloted drone flies along a power corridor and is maintained at a fixed distance from an outer phase conductor using on board electric field detection circuitry, video/infra-red imagery and an RF/laser altimeter. The counter rotating, twin-turbo driven configuration for the propellers mounted on coaxial vertical shafts provides a highly stable platform, unlike conventional manned helicopters presently used for routine right-of-way patrols. Dual, counter-rotating saucer-shaped auxiliary propellers provide a degree of stability far superior to a conventional helicopter, particularly in gusty winds. On board sensors and video cameras would permit electric utilities an economic approach to right-of-way monitoring, inspection of frayed conductors or deteriorated splices through infra-red sensing, detection of cracked insulators through acoustic/corona sensors, monitoring of critical, thermally limiting spans and other monitoring functions.

대표청구항 ▼

A system for monitoring physical and/or environmental features and abnormal conditions associated with or in proximity to an energized electric power conductor extending along a power corridor, said system comprising: (a) a remotely piloted drone adapted for flight in close proximity to said power c

A system for monitoring physical and/or environmental features and abnormal conditions associated with or in proximity to an energized electric power conductor extending along a power corridor, said system comprising: (a) a remotely piloted drone adapted for flight in close proximity to said power conductor and for hovering to detect abnormal conditions along said power conductor; (b) said drone including means responsive to control signals from a source outside said drone for guidance thereof along said power corridor; (c) at least one piece of equipment mounted upon said drone and adapted to observe and/or record data commensurate with at least one of said features and conditions in a first location along said power corridor; and (d) a ground-based control station including means for retrieving said data at a second location, remote from said drone.