Overhead Transmission Line Parameter Reconstruction for UAV Inspection Based on Tunneling Magnetoresistive Sensors and Inverse Models

Overhead transmission lines have played an important role in power transmission and distribution, and real-time monitoring of the line status is essential to maintain the stability and reliability of the power system. As the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has gradually become the novel and effective tool for inspection of transmission lines, the acquisition of dynamic line parameters is also important to keep the UAV's track and safety. In this paper, a novel parameter reconstruction method for overhead transmission lines was proposed. A framework of approximated transmission line inverse problem was constructed, which transformed the problem into a nonlinear optimization problem. Based on the proposed comprehensive algorithm that combined metaheuristic algorithm and interior point method, the position and current parameters of the lines were reconstructed from the magnetic field data. Theoretical simulation indicated that the algorithm avoided the results being stuck in the local optima effectively. In terms of the experimental implementation, a dual-axial tunneling magnetoresistive magnetic field measurement device was prepared. The measurement and calculation results proved the robustness and accuracy of the comprehensive reconstruction algorithm together with the magnetic field measurement device, leading to a more promising approach for real-time transmission line monitoring and UAV trajectory controlling.