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Surface-Integrated Electric Field Sensor for the Detection of High-Voltage Power Lines
Gunbok Lee1, Jeong-Yeon Kim2, Gildong Kim1
1Propulsion System Research Department, Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI), Uiwang 16105, Korea.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 28, 2021
Summary
This study introduces an electric field sensor for drones to detect high-voltage power lines, preventing accidents. The sensor accurately measures electric fields, enhancing drone safety during facility inspections.
Area of Science:
- Electrical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Drones are increasingly used for facility inspections.
- High-voltage power lines pose a significant risk to drones, causing them to fall or become entangled.
- Existing detection methods are insufficient for safe drone operation near power lines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an electric field sensor for integration into drones.
- To enable drones to detect high-voltage power lines and avoid potential hazards.
- To enhance the safety and reliability of drones used for infrastructure inspection.
Main Methods:
- An electric field sensor was designed for drone integration.
- Laboratory testing involved applying 25 kV to an overhead line and measuring induced voltage in the sensor.
- Real-world testing was conducted in a railway environment with overhead lines.
Main Results:
- The sensor measured voltages from 0 to 0.77 V across electric field intensities of 0.5 to 10.1 kV/m in the lab.
- In a real-world railway setting, the sensor showed a compensated value of 4.5 at 4.05 kV/m.
- The sensor demonstrated a clear correlation between electric field strength and induced voltage.
Conclusions:
- The proposed electric field sensor is effective for detecting high-voltage power lines.
- The sensor can be successfully integrated into drones for real-time hazard detection.
- This technology significantly improves drone safety in environments with high-voltage infrastructure.
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