# A Novel Charging Station on Overhead Power Lines for Autonomous Unmanned Drones
## 5 Discussion  
This paper presents a novel charging station for drones that exploits power line magnetic fields. We propose the use of an inductive harvester to charge the drone's battery. This approach is based on an easy-to-install charging station that can be deployed by a multirotor drone on an overhead AC power line without modifying the electrical infrastructure. A lightweight drone charging station capable of harvesting 145 W of power at a 600 A line current is reported. This research provides evidence that harvesting technology is suitable for powering multirotor drones with perching capabilities. The results suggest that aerial robotic manipulators can provide a cutting-edge technology to ensure the safety and quality of the electrical grid, minimize hazardous work and reduce maintenance costs.  
These results are part of the Aerial-Core project and establish a first approach for research projects focused on aerial robotic manipulation on overhead power lines. Further research is required to maximize energy density, improve energy harvesting and conversion efficiency for drone charging stations and simplify the design of drone and robotic effectors. The development of wireless coupling between charging stations and drones can help to universalize this technology for multiple purposes. A long-term demonstrator in a real environment is also required to provide further information for research.  
Figure 13: Real power line experiments: (**a**) MLMP flight to overhead power line; (**b**) MLMP perched on the line; (**c**) MLMP moving along the cable; (**d**) coupling of the MLMP with the charging station.  
Supplementary Materials:The following supporting information can be downloaded at: [[https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/app131810175/s1](https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/app131810175/s1)]([https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/app131810175/s1](https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/app131810175/s1)), Integration experiments videos are available on Aerial-Core project web page at [[https://aerial-core.eu](https://aerial-core.eu)]([https://aerial-core.eu](https://aerial-core.eu)) (accessed on 1 September 2023) and on official social media channels.  
Investigation, [PERSON]-[PERSON] and [PERSON]; Writing--original draft, [PERSON]-M.M.-[PERSON]; Writing--review & editing, [PERSON]-[PERSON], [PERSON] and [PERSON]. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This research was funded by the European Commission (grant number H2020-ICT-2018-20).  
Not applicable.  
The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of Enel Group and the contribution of [PERSON], [PERSON] and [PERSON] of the Aerial-Core project. We also gratefully acknowledge [PERSON] from the University of Seville for the coordination of the Aerial-Core project, [PERSON] and [PERSON] from the University of Naples Federico II and [PERSON] from the University of Zagreb for their contributions on the manipulation platform, as well as ATLAS Flight Centre for support during the validation tests shown in figure below (Integration experiments with drone and charging station at the Atlas Centre (Jaen) performed in 2023 for the Aerial-Core H2020 project). Finally, the authors appreciate the valuable contributions of [PERSON] and [PERSON] from the Vice Foundation for the 3D design, printing and manufacturing of charging station prototypes and [PERSON] from CATEC for the 3D design of the elevation platform.  
The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.