Odense, Denmark – Battery life is no longer a limiting factor for drones, thanks to a groundbreaking new technology developed by scientists at the University of Southern Denmark. Designed primarily for autonomous drones conducting power line inspections, the innovative system allows a quadcopter to recharge directly from the power lines it inspects. This breakthrough, led by Viet Duong Hoang, could enable drones to remain in the air indefinitely, revolutionizing how drones are used for long-duration tasks.
The drone, built on a Tarot 650 Sport carbon fiber frame, is equipped with an electric quadcopter propulsion system, a 7,000-mAh lithium-polymer battery, and advanced electronics, including a Raspberry Pi 4 B, Pixhawk V6X autopilot, millimeter-wave radar, and an RGB video camera. One of the key features of the drone is a passively actuated power-line gripper mounted on top of the aircraft. The gripper, with two inward-sloping arms, allows the drone to securely attach to power lines for charging.
When the drone’s onboard software detects a low battery, it locates the nearest power line using its radar and camera systems. It then ascends to the power line and guides it into the gripper for secure attachment, enabling the drone to recharge and resume operations seamlessly. This new charging technology is a natural fit for drones tasked with inspecting power lines, as they can utilize the infrastructure they are already monitoring.
The system was originally reported by Ben Coxworth for New Atlas, highlighting its potential to allow drones to remain airborne for extended periods, without the need for frequent manual recharging.
SOURCE: TECHNABOB
