Method and apparatus for locating faults in overhead power transmission lines

A fault-finding apparatus for finding faults in overhead power transmission lines using a helicopter-type aircraft, the fault-finding apparatus comprising:

• a battery;
• a control system;
• an inspection apparatus for inspecting overhead power transmission lines;
• and
• a drive system located in a case and connected to a motor, wherein the drive system locks the position of the fault-finding apparatus relative to a lightning-protector cable or a power conductor and moves it along or near the overhead power transmission lines, where the locked position is not locked relative to the overhead power transmission lines,
• wherein the control system, the inspection apparatus and the helicopter-type aircraft are connected to the battery,
• wherein the helicopter-type aircraft includes a helicopter control system and is attached to the outside of the case;
• and
• wherein the case is additionally outfitted with guides to set the trajectory of the lightning-protector cable or power conductor inside the fault-finding apparatus to a position permitting locking of the fault-finding apparatus on the lightning-protector cable or power conductor,
• further wherein the drive system consists of two traveling rollers and a clamping roller, the clamping roller made with the capability of movement relative to the lightning-protector cable or power conductor in the vertical plane and clamping the lightning-protector cable or power conductor to the traveling rollers.