Simulation analysis and experimental research on the safety distance of UAV inspection on transmission lines

In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inspection has become one of the main means of daily operation and maintenance of overhead transmission lines. Since the key components of the UAV inspection system are composed of electronic components, it relies on data communication to realize data link transmission. In the actual operation process, the complex electromagnetic field environment has an obvious impact on its control and communication performance, especially when inspecting near the DC line. In this paper, combined with the research on the safety assurance technology of UAV inspection operations, the electromagnetic field simulation model of the UAV inspection operation on DC transmission lines is established. The electromagnetic field distribution around the wire is analyzed when the UAV is at different inspection distances, and the influence range and degree of the DC electromagnetic field on UAV inspection system are obtained. A true test platform for the inspection safety distance of the ±500 kV line UAV inspection was built, and the inspection safety distance test and research of the small rotary-wing UAV with a typical size, structure, and material was carried out. Through the test, when the current of the transmission line is 3 kA, the minimum safety distance of the UAV inspection operation of the ±500 kV DC transmission line straight tower is 3 m, and the distance is corrected in combination with the current. The research results of this paper can provide technical support for the inspection operation of small multi-rotor UAVs on ±500 kV transmission lines.