UAV based sensing and imaging technologies for power system detection, monitoring and inspection: a review

Yunze He; Zhaoyan Liu; Yike Guo; Qijia Zhu; Yu Fang; Yong Yin; Yang Wang; Bei Zhang; Zhaohua Liu

doi:10.1080/10589759.2024.2421938

journal article·2025-12-02

UAV based sensing and imaging technologies for power system detection, monitoring and inspection: a review

Yunze He, Zhaoyan Liu, Yike Guo, Qijia Zhu, Yu Fang, Yong Yin, Yang Wang, Bei Zhang, Zhaohua Liu

Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation· Volume 40· Issue 12

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Source abstract

Abstract

With the advancement and expansion of power system technology, ensuring the safe and stable operation of transmission lines has become increasingly crucial. Traditional manual inspection methods often suffer from low efficiency and high risks. In recent years, the rapid development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology has provided a new solution for power system inspection. UAV inspection offers advantages such as high flexibility, wide coverage, and relatively low overall costs, effectively improving inspection efficiency, reducing inspection costs, and mitigating personnel safety risks. A comprehensive review of the current state of UAV inspections in power systems is provided in this study, introducing the main sensing technologies and applications of UAV inspection, including visible light cameras, infrared thermal imaging, depth cameras, compound eye cameras, radar, X-rays, and ultrasonic sensors. It also discusses the challenges faced by UAV inspections in power systems, such as the complexity of data processing, the lack of automation, and the absence of regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, it put forward future development trends, including multi-sensor fusion, edge computing, cloud computing centres, multi-UAV collaboration, and the cooperation of various unmanned clusters. This work aims to serve as a reference for the research and application of UAV inspections in power systems.

Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: 3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage · Remote Sensing and LiDAR Applications · Advanced Neural Network Applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Hunan University

Shanghai Dianji University

Beihang University

Hunan University of Science and Technology

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Hunan Province science and technology innovation leader · Major Project of Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province · Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation

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