Multicriteria Methodology for Prioritizing Predictive Maintenance Using RPASs (Drones) with Thermal Cameras on Transmission Lines

Thermographic inspections using drones with thermographic cameras have enabled considerable advances in preventive maintenance. In this context, we propose a methodology for prioritizing flight performance to ensure that the equipment is used in the most efficient way, based on the implementation of thermographic technology in the preventive maintenance plans of electric power concessionaires. Based on information about transmission lines obtained from the literature and made available by transmission companies, criteria and alternatives are established, and a methodology for prioritization and application in transmission lines is established using the AHP multicriteria method. Technical, safety, systemic, social, and financial criteria are defined, each containing alternatives, to define their weight and importance. Finally, through analysis of the four established criteria and alternatives, with their respective weights, a tool is obtained that will assist transmission concessionaires in the adequate prioritization of thermographic inspections using RPAS.