Behavior Control of an Automatic Inspection Robot for Insulators

2013 ◽  
Vol 336-338 ◽  
pp. 1309-1314
Author(s):  
Zhen Hui Li ◽  
Hong Guang Wang ◽  
Hong Zhi Zhang ◽  
Feng Ren Jing
Keyword(s):  
Transmission Lines ◽  
Finite State Machine ◽  
Power Transmission ◽  
Exception Handling ◽  
Automatic Inspection ◽  
Power Transmission Lines ◽  
Behavior Control ◽  
Inspection Robot ◽  
Finite State ◽  
Handling Method

This paper presents an automatic inspection robot for insulators installed on 500kV power transmission lines. In order to detect the poor insulators automatically, the robot’s behaviors are analyzed, and a behavior control model based on Finite State Machine (FSM) is established. Moreover, an exception handling method is proposed based on sensors and timers. The results of experiments in the laboratory prove that the control methods mentioned above are correct and valid. Experiments on a 500kV transmission live line show that the inspection robot can not only automatically move along the double insulator strings with variable intervals, but also reliably handle the abnormal conditions including slipping, power shortage, deadlocking, sensor abnormity, and probe loosening.

A multi-unit serial inspection robot for power transmission lines

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guanghong Tao ◽  
Lijin Fang
Keyword(s):  
Transmission Line ◽  
Transmission Lines ◽  
Power Transmission ◽  
Power Transmission Line ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Power Transmission Lines ◽  
Obstacle Crossing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Inspection Robot ◽  
Serial Robot

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce a robot mechanism designed for power transmission line inspection. The focus for this design is on obstacle-crossing ability with a goal to create a robot moving and crossing obstacle on not only the straight line but also the steering line. Design/methodology/approach A novel four-unit tri-arm serial robot mechanism is proposed. Every novel unit designed for pitching motion is based on parallelogram structure, which is driven by cables and only one motor. There is gripper-wheel compounding mechanism mounted on the arm. The prototype and obstacle environments are established, and the obstacle-crossing experiments are conducted. Findings The novel unit mechanism and robot prototype have been tested in the lab. The prototype has demonstrated the obstacle-crossing ability when moving and crossing fundamental obstacles on the line. The experimental results show that the robot mechanism meets the obstacle-crossing requirements. Practical implications The novel robot technology can be used for defect inspection of power transmission line by power companies. Social implications It stands to lower the intense and risk of inspection works and reduce the costs related to inspection. Originality/value Innovative features include its architecture, mobility and driving method.

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