Path planning of UHV live working hanging basket method based on grid-ant colony algorithm

The live working paths for equipotential operators in the hanging basket method is determined by minimum safety values of various clearances stipulated in regulations. However, the optimization of the safety path planning by the complex gaps is scarce. In this paper, an optimization method for path planning is proposed based on ant colony algorithm. Grid model is established to partition the operation area into different calculation districts, in which key parameters are grid data and obstacle grids. Grid data are the maximum value of the electric field strength on the body surface, calculated by the finite element model. And obstacle grids are grids that dissatisfy the requirements of complex gaps and their data are larger than the air breakdown field strength. Then ant colony algorithm is employed to search for the best operation path with the minimum working distance and the minimum electric field strength value. After that, an application case is illustrated to demonstrate the optimizing processes. At last, the shock U50 test and power frequency corona discharge test are implemented to verify the safety of the optimized path. Therefore, the path obtained by the proposed method scientifically and effectively shortens the distance of the hanging basket method.