Improved A-STAR Algorithm for Power Line Inspection UAV Path Planning

The operational areas for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used in power line inspection are highly complex; thus, the best path planning under known obstacles is of significant research value for UAVs. This paper establishes a three-dimensional spatial environment based on the gridding and filling o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Energies
Main Authors: Yanchu Li, Xinzhou Dong, Qingqing Ding, Yinlong Xiong, Huilian Liao, Tao Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-10-01
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/21/5364
Description
Summary:The operational areas for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used in power line inspection are highly complex; thus, the best path planning under known obstacles is of significant research value for UAVs. This paper establishes a three-dimensional spatial environment based on the gridding and filling of two-dimensional maps, simulates a variety of obstacles, and proposes a new optimization algorithm based on the A-STAR algorithm, considering the unique dynamics and control characteristics of quadcopter UAVs. By utilizing a novel heuristic evaluation function and uniformly applied quadratic B-spline curve smoothing, the planned path is optimized to better suit UAV inspection scenarios. Compared to the traditional A-STAR algorithm, this method offers improved real-time performance and global optimal solution-solving capabilities and is capable of planning safer and more realistic flight paths based on the operational characteristics of quadcopter UAVs in mountainous environments for power line inspection.
ISSN:1996-1073