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Eine System of Systems Analyse drohnen- und satellitengestützter Inspektionsverfahren für ausgedehnte Netzinfrastrukturen
Citation Link: https://doi.org/10.15480/882.16930
Publikationstyp
Doctoral Thesis
Date Issued
2026
Sprache
German
Author(s)
Advisor
Referee
Title Granting Institution
Technische Universität Hamburg
Place of Title Granting Institution
Hamburg
Examination Date
2026-01-26
Institute
TORE-DOI
Citation
Technische Universität Hamburg (2025)
This dissertation investigates the techno-economic suitability of drone- and satellite-based remote sensing methods for the inspection of extensive network infrastructures, such as power grids, gas pipelines, and railway lines. The objective of the work is to develop a methodology for a System-of-Systems conceptualization that compares various sensor carrier platforms regarding their efficiency and cost-effectiveness, with a particular focus on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and satellites. The study begins with an analysis of the inspection requirements for these infrastructures, including the necessary data quality and frequency. Subsequently, the fundamentals of remote sensing sensor technology (e.g., LiDAR, RADAR, Infrared) as well as the characteristics of drones (fixed-wing, VTOL, multicopter) and satellites are explained. A central component is the development of a route optimization algorithm and a cost model that considers factors such as flight frequency (and the resulting utilization), range, operating bases, and fixed costs. The methodology is applied to two case studies: the German railway network and the U.S. natural gas transmission pipeline network. For the railway network, it is shown that highly automated VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drones offer the most cost-efficient solution, provided that a sufficiently large range can be achieved with this configuration. When surveying the significantly larger area of the U.S. pipeline system, highly automated fixed-wing UAVs can more easily leverage their range advantages, as the requirements for efficient route planning are higher in this context. In both cases, satellites are economically competitive with drone systems of limited range capabilities, primarily when resolution requirements are low. In particular, the study highlights the economic added value of incremental range in drone aircraft design within a specific range spectrum. The results illustrate that through automation and scalability, drone systems can outperform traditional inspection methods (e.g., helicopters), although the choice of platform depends heavily on the infrastructure and specific requirements. The work concludes with a discussion of alternative approaches and an outlook on future research, particularly regarding increasing UAV range and their integration into hybrid systems with satellites.
Subjects
Remote Sensing
Techno-Economic Analysis
Infrastructure Inspection
UAV Mission Planning
System-of-Systems (SoS)
DDC Class
629.892: Robot
681.2: Testing, Measuring, Sensing Instruments
658.5: Of Production
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Mueller_Johannes_System_of_Systems_Analyse.pdf
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