In the challenging world of high-voltage power line inspection, where extreme temperatures, high altitudes, and unpredictable weather conditions prevail, a new technological breakthrough is set to revolutionize safety checks. Researchers, led by Ma Long from State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Co., Ltd. in Nanjing, China, have developed a sophisticated motor control strategy that significantly enhances the stability of inspection robots, ensuring more reliable and efficient operations.
The harsh environments surrounding high-voltage wires demand robust solutions to replace human inspectors. High-voltage wire inspection robots have emerged as a viable alternative, but their effectiveness hinges on the harmonic suppression of the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) that powers them. Ma Long and his team tackled this challenge head-on, focusing on the connection, working principles, and control theories of the drive motor and load motor in the motor-to-drag test system.
By establishing a simulation model of the drag test system, the researchers analyzed the motor’s running state and the influence of the load motor on the speed harmonic of the driving motor. “The key was to understand how the load motor affects the driving motor’s performance and then devise a control strategy to mitigate these effects,” explained Ma Long. Their findings led to the development of an improved control strategy, which was verified through an electronic control-electromagnetic joint simulation model of the two motors.
The results were impressive. The improved control strategy effectively suppressed speed harmonics, reducing the harmonic amplitude at 18 times the fundamental frequency of the current by a staggering 94.74%. This significant reduction in harmonic distortion translates to greater stability and reliability for inspection robots operating in high-voltage environments.
The commercial implications for the energy sector are substantial. More stable and efficient inspection robots mean reduced downtime, lower maintenance costs, and enhanced safety for power line inspections. As Ma Long noted, “This technology not only improves the performance of inspection robots but also contributes to the overall safety and efficiency of the power grid.”
The research, published in the journal *Engineering Reports* (translated from Chinese), represents a significant step forward in the field of motor control and harmonic suppression. It sets the stage for future developments in inspection robot technology, promising a future where high-voltage power line inspections are carried out with greater precision and reliability. As the energy sector continues to evolve, innovations like these will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of power transmission systems worldwide.