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Post by robc450 on Nov 7, 2009 2:58:10 GMT -5
An engineer from Hydro One (formerly Ontario Hydro) asked about using an X6 for transmission line tower inspections, I'm supposed to contact him next week to discuss his ideas.
Does anyone have experience flying an X6 near 115,000v or 230,000v power lines and transformers?
Does GPS hold work?
Are flight controls/stability affected?
Does the video feed still work?
Thanks
Rob
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Post by Guest on Nov 7, 2009 17:07:35 GMT -5
Just an opinion - unless you have tons of experience with the helicopter and this area of expertise, flying near high tension power lines is not a good idea. Carbon Fiber is conductive, depth perception is very difficult flying around wires and the consequences are pretty serious. All our lives we have been taught, told, trained to avoid power lines - and for a good reason.
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Post by pulsey on Nov 9, 2009 17:21:51 GMT -5
The distributors here told me at my demo that the only DF that they have heard of being totalled was one that flew into powerlines. Made a bit of a mess of it, apparently.
I'd also worry about the HT affecting the communications link.
Still, if you want to give it a go, fly downwind of it and make full use of the onboard zoom to keep your distance. Oh, and let us know if you go for it and the results
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Post by Craig on Nov 9, 2009 20:39:32 GMT -5
Graham or someone on the support chat (on df website) should be able to provide details on interference issues. Seeing as they actively promote the X6 as being capable for Transmission Line Inspections I would hope they have done some sort of test run  ? www.draganfly.com/uav-helicopter/draganflyer-x6/applications/industrial.phpI would like to hear how you get on with it....just placed an order this morning. |
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Post by kamarul on Nov 9, 2009 21:24:22 GMT -5
I once flew cautiously to within 20 metres of a tranmission line shooting something else (this was the best spot to shoot from). Luckily it was incidence free.
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Post by robc450 on Nov 10, 2009 22:26:30 GMT -5
I received a well though out (& technical) answer from the DF folks and it looks promising.
If I do go ahead, there's some technical info I can ask the Hydro Engineers to supply which will let the DF folks calculate a safe operating distance.
Talk about great customer support!!
Anyway, here's a portion of their answer...
If the X6 gets close to any one phase there shouldn't be a problem, think bird on a wire. However if the lines are close enough that it can cross phases it will flashover and do a lot of damaged to the X6 and potentially the line itself. We have already seen this happen. For transmission lines in the 100s of KVs the separation distances should be great enough that there won't be a problem. This can be calculated, just assume the X6 is a conductor.
Best course of action is probably to slowly advance towards the line from the side.
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