In a significant advancement for the energy sector, researchers have developed a novel walking device designed to enhance the stability and safety of hybrid power transmission line inspection robots (PTLIRs) operating in challenging high-altitude and windy environments. Led by Peng Jin from the College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Shihezi University in China, this innovative approach addresses a critical issue: the need for these robots to maintain a stable attitude during inspections, especially when gusty winds threaten to throw them off balance.
The research focuses on creating a walking device that can carry a flight mechanism, allowing it to navigate along transmission lines while inspecting them from below. This capability is vital for maintaining the integrity of power infrastructure, particularly in regions prone to high winds. The team conducted a thorough force equilibrium analysis to understand how various structural parameters influence the robot’s deflection under wind loads. Their findings led to the development of a multiobjective optimization model aimed at minimizing the maximum deflection angle across three axes.
The optimization process utilized an improved non-dominated sorting particle swarm optimization (NSPSO) algorithm, which proved effective in enhancing the robot’s performance. Notably, the results showed a remarkable reduction in deflection angles—by as much as 39.21% on the Z axis, which is particularly crucial when facing winds at speeds of 15.5 m/s. After implementing these optimizations, the maximum deflection angle was confined to a safe 10.38 degrees, ensuring that the robot can operate securely even in adverse conditions.
This research not only addresses a technical bottleneck in the practicality of PTLIRs but also opens up commercial opportunities within the energy sector. With the ability to safely inspect power transmission lines in challenging weather, utility companies can enhance their maintenance strategies, reduce downtime, and ultimately improve service reliability. The implications for intelligent operation and maintenance management are profound, potentially leading to cost savings and increased efficiency in power distribution.
As Peng Jin stated, “The optimization algorithm effectively reduces the maximum deflection angles, aligning within safety thresholds.” This breakthrough is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of energy infrastructure management, making it an exciting development for both researchers and industry stakeholders.
The findings were published in the Alexandria Engineering Journal, a platform dedicated to sharing significant engineering advancements. For more details, you can refer to the lead author’s affiliation at Shihezi University.
