AVIAN CONSERVATION: POWER LINE BIRD DIVERTER INSTALLATION WITH NOVEL TOUCH-CAPABLE DRONE

Major Goal:Demonstrate bird diverter installation on an energized cable.Key Research Objectives to achieve major goal:1. Integrateelectronics and state estimation system into drone to provide heading reference next to high-current lines2. Perform test stand testing near a simulated high current line3. Perform free flightfield tests. next to high current test line4. Protect and shield electronics from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)5. Test component shielding in lab6. Perform ESD testing of drone on test stand7. Perform free flight field tests with simulated ESD8. Perform energized installation with utility partnerMajor Goal:Demonstrate bird diverter installation in 10 kts of windKey Research Objectives to achieve major goal:1. Perform wind sensor integration with drone2. Perform field tests to establish in-flight wind measurement3. Develop algorithm to actuate cyclorotor in varying wind conditions4. Improve model of drone in wind simulation5. Develop control system for drone in simulation6. Perform field flight tests in windy conditions7. Perform bird diverter installations in 10 kts of wind