Optimizing 2D path planning for unmanned aerial vehicle inspection of electric transmission lines

The inspection of electric power transmission lines using unmanned aerial vehicles represents an innovative maintenance approach that several countries, including Morocco, are considering adopting. The primary aim is to enhance existing procedures, capitalize on their advantages, and address challenges associated with traditional methods. Given the precision, efficiency, and safety required for this application to ensure reliable results, we propose a functional architecture for unmanned aerial vehicle-based electric power transmission line inspection. This architecture encompasses key phases such as data collection, planning, and inspection, while identifying electromagnetic interferences and minimum approach distances as major constraints. To streamline mission planning, we introduce a trajectory optimization algorithm integrated into a mission planning assistance application for transmission line inspection. This algorithm presents a novel approach by hybridizing three algorithms: genetic algorithm, ant colony optimization and particle swarm optimization. Consequently, our work represents a significant contribution to the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles in electric power transmission lines inspection operations for electrical energy transport, facilitating potential advancements and discoveries in the field.