Power line monitoring and insulator failure detection using aerial vehicles******

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Overhead lines, composed of conductors, insulators and towers are widely used at both the transmission and distribution level. Insulators provide electrical insulation between the tower and the conductors and provide mechanical support to the conductors. They are either polymer or ceramic which has been used for over 100 years. Detecting defects in ceramic insulators in smart, safe and cost effective scheme is becoming a crucial requirement. Defects range from minor cracks to punctured and broken discs leading to visible physical damage over the insulator structure, an increase in temperature, and excessive concentration of electric field.** The main objective of this project is to develop a smart unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to diagnose and detect physical damage in ceramic insulators. They can be examined by visual inspection with either a specialized camera or other interface. Any increase in temperature can be recorded using devices that are capable of measuring the infra-red (IR) radiation, such as an IR camera. The concentration of electric field can be identified using acoustic sensors or an ultra-violet (UV) camera. A quad-copter will be used to fly alongside the hydro towers to detect and localize damaged insulators. Ceramic insulator images will be collected and a detection scheme will be developed based on deep learning. This project will result in a prototype that is capable of diagnosing physical damage in ceramic insulators. This is the first step towards development of comprehensive autonomous drone inspection for outdoor ceramic power line insulators.** This project is in conjunction with METSCO, a company which brings energy solutions to the Canadian Energy Sector. The power grid forms the virtual backbone of our technological society, allowing us to power our lives and our devices. The aging insulator infrastructure causes a growing need to identify potential insulator faults before cost-destructive electrical blackouts occur due to insulator failure. Developing an efficient and cost effective inspection system is critical. The benefit to Canada of maintaining our smart grid system is abundantly clear as it impacts the day-to-day lives of all Canadians.**