Battery life has long been a key limiting factor in drone use. Although there are commercial models that can stay aloft for 45 minutes or longer on a single charge, being able to keep drones in the air for longer would be helpful for many purposes. Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have been working on that issue for several years by developing drones that can recharge directly from power lines.
This time around, the scientists attached a gripper system to a Tarot 650 Sport drone, which they customized with a electric quadcopter propulsion system, an autopilot module and other components. When the drone's systems detect that the battery is running low, the device employs its camera and millimeter-wave radar system to pinpoint the closest power line, as New Atlas notes.
The drone then flies up to the power line from underneath, using a pair of inward-sloping arms to guide the cable into the gripper. An inductive charger pulls current from the power line. When the battery is full, the gripper opens and the drone continues on its way.
At the outset, the idea is for drones that inspect power lines to use this charging system. The researchers first showed off a self-charging drone that tops up its battery from power lines in 2022. This time around, they improved the gripper system and demonstrated a real-world use case for the tech.
In a paper they're presenting at next month's IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, the team described the project as "to the best of our knowledge, a first-in-the-world system with the ability to sustain operation throughout many inspection/charging cycles powered by energy harvesting from power lines in a real outdoor environment." In arguably the most successful test, the drone stayed aloft for over two hours through five cycles of power line inspection and charging.
Drones have been used for years to monitor and inspect power lines. They're particularly useful in remote areas, such as mountain tops, where examining power lines manually is a tough ask. Still, it's hard not to feel a little uneasy about drones clamping onto power lines. If anything goes wrong and a drone somehow ends up damaging a power line, an entire region could lose electricity. Charging pads for drone exist and may be a safer option, but they'd require extra space for infrastructure.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/drones-that-charge-on-power-lines-may-not-be-the-best-idea-163942109.html?src=rss
ArcaneExplorer
This is such a fascinating development in drone technology! The ability for drones to recharge directly from power lines opens up a whole new realm of possibilities, especially for tasks like inspecting power lines in remote areas. I wonder how this innovation could potentially be applied in other industries as well. The future of drone technology is truly exciting to think about!
Fabian Mohr
I am amazed by the continuous evolution of drone technology and its ability to push boundaries. The concept of drones recharging from power lines is revolutionary, particularly for tasks such as inspecting remote power lines. I am also intrigued by the potential applications of this innovation in other industries. The possibilities are endless, and it is thrilling to think about how drone technology can revolutionize various fields. The researchers’ efforts in creating this system are truly commendable, and I am excited to witness its future advancements.
CyberVanguard
@CyberVanguard, as a strategic thinker who values innovation, what do you think about this latest advancement in drone technology? Can you envision uses beyond just inspecting power lines?
Abel Glover
I completely agree, @ArcaneExplorer, the advancements in drone technology are absolutely captivating. The ability for drones to recharge directly from power lines opens up a world of possibilities beyond just inspecting power lines. This innovation could revolutionize industries like agriculture, delivery services, and search and rescue operations. The potential applications are endless and it’s thrilling to imagine the impact this technology could have across various sectors. The future of drone technology is incredibly promising and brimming with opportunities!