Professor Emad Ebeid receives Carlsberg Semper Ardens grant for development of self-charging drones
With the 'FreeFly' project, researchers at the University of Southern Denmark aim to streamline powerline inspection by mimicking avian flight. The new grant will elevate the technology from basic research to practical application.
- This technology could make power grids safer, more reliable, and more sustainable. This is vital for modern society's energy demands.
These are the words of Professor Emad Samuel Malki Ebeid, describing the vision behind the project FreeFly, which has just been awarded one of the most prestigious grants in Danish research: the Carlsberg Semper Ardens Accomplish Grant.
As the head of the SDU Digital and High-Frequency Electronics (DHFE) section, Professor Ebeid will now lead the effort to realise a project that unites advanced flying robotics with critical infrastructure. The goal is to develop autonomous flying robots capable not only of inspecting high-voltage power lines but also of harvest energy to charge their batteries directly from the lines while in flight.
- Unlike standard propeller drones, flapping-wing robots can hover and glide. This enables them to stay close to power lines for harvest energy wirelessly without consuming high-power, explains Professor Ebeid.
This technical attribute addresses one of the primary limitations of current inspection methods: range. By being able to "refuel" autonomously on the grid, the flying robots could potentially perform unlimited flight for continuous inspections without human intervention.
The process has been characterised by persistence. Over the years, the team has conducted numerous experiments to validate their hypotheses. Each test has contributed data necessary to adjust and mature the technology.
With the new funding from the Carlsberg Foundation, the research will revolutionize drone technology by exploring new scientific territories within self-recharging flapping wing robots for nonstop autonomous powerline inspection.
Furthermore, the safety aspect carries significant weight. Inspecting high-voltage lines in hard-to-reach areas poses substantial risks to technical personnel. By allowing autonomous systems to take over the most exposed tasks, occupational safety can be significantly improved. Additionally, using lightweight, nonstop electric flying robots rather than helicopters or heavy vehicles will reduce the carbon footprint associated with today’s inspection operations.
With the support of the Carlsberg Semper Ardens grant, the project will now attempt to translate theoretical models and concepts into robust technology capable of withstanding the challenges of the real world.
These are the words of Professor Emad Samuel Malki Ebeid, describing the vision behind the project FreeFly, which has just been awarded one of the most prestigious grants in Danish research: the Carlsberg Semper Ardens Accomplish Grant.
As the head of the SDU Digital and High-Frequency Electronics (DHFE) section, Professor Ebeid will now lead the effort to realise a project that unites advanced flying robotics with critical infrastructure. The goal is to develop autonomous flying robots capable not only of inspecting high-voltage power lines but also of harvest energy to charge their batteries directly from the lines while in flight.
Inspiration from Nature
The technology at the heart of the FreeFly project represents a significant departure from conventional drone solutions. While standard drones typically rely on energy-intensive propellers to stay airborne, Professor Ebeid's team employs a design inspired by bird wings—a discipline known as biomimetics.- Unlike standard propeller drones, flapping-wing robots can hover and glide. This enables them to stay close to power lines for harvest energy wirelessly without consuming high-power, explains Professor Ebeid.
This technical attribute addresses one of the primary limitations of current inspection methods: range. By being able to "refuel" autonomously on the grid, the flying robots could potentially perform unlimited flight for continuous inspections without human intervention.
A long process of research
The work on these autonomous systems is built upon several years of prior research. Since 2017, Professor Ebeid and his group at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) have worked systematically to map the electrical properties of the grid and design aerial robots capable of navigating and recharging from these environments.The process has been characterised by persistence. Over the years, the team has conducted numerous experiments to validate their hypotheses. Each test has contributed data necessary to adjust and mature the technology.
With the new funding from the Carlsberg Foundation, the research will revolutionize drone technology by exploring new scientific territories within self-recharging flapping wing robots for nonstop autonomous powerline inspection.
Focus on safety and operations
The project's perspectives extend beyond technical innovation. Continuous and autonomous monitoring could contribute to earlier detection of defects in the grid, potentially reducing the number of power outages and lowering operational costs for utility companies.Furthermore, the safety aspect carries significant weight. Inspecting high-voltage lines in hard-to-reach areas poses substantial risks to technical personnel. By allowing autonomous systems to take over the most exposed tasks, occupational safety can be significantly improved. Additionally, using lightweight, nonstop electric flying robots rather than helicopters or heavy vehicles will reduce the carbon footprint associated with today’s inspection operations.
With the support of the Carlsberg Semper Ardens grant, the project will now attempt to translate theoretical models and concepts into robust technology capable of withstanding the challenges of the real world.