Abstract
Severe weather can cause energized power lines to fall onto or near roadways. Some downed lines produce visible sparks or audible noise, others may provide no obvious warning. An energized line may also create a hazardous voltage gradient in the surrounding ground. Human drivers may recognize visible indications and avoid the area, but an autonomous vehicle (AV) requires an onboard method to identify this uncommon condition and respond safely. The proposed method enables an AV to detect indications of this potential hazard, avoid approaching or crossing a suspected downed power line when conditions permit, alert occupants not enter a suspected hazardous area, and communicate the detected location to other vehicles and the utility provider.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Anonymous, "Onboard Method for Detecting and Mitigating Vehicle Encounters with Downed Electrical Power Lines", Technical Disclosure Commons, ()
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/12049