TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY: LAR-18767-1, LAR-18770-1: Directional UAV Localization of Power Line Ultraviolet Corona

Synopsis: NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA solicits inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture and market the following technology. License rights may be issued on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis and may include specific fields of use. NASA provides no funding in conjunction with these potential licenses. THE TECHNOLOGY: Scientists at NASA Langley Research Center have developed a novel system that uses an ultra-violet (UV) camera to detect, inspect, and analyze a corona discharge. This discharge signifies a power line insulation fault, making the technology ideal for use in power line insulation inspections. When coupled to a drone, the technology offers the ability to remotely monitor power lines in a cost effective way. Adding UV camera technology to drones equipped with GPS results in precise, economical surveys. The UV detection is preferable to infrared (IR) systems which are prone to greater interference from the nearby thermal environment. UV detection offers images that isolate the location of the corona discharge with far greater precision than IR images can. Libraries of typical UV images of corona discharges by component type (i.e. insulator vs. conductor) can be added to the firmware to provide additional inspection capabilities. While developed for power transmission line inspection and fault detection, it could be adapted for electric rail and trolley applications or wildfire detection and location. NASA is seeking to license this technology commercially in the United States. US Patent pending. To express interest in this opportunity, please respond to [email protected] with the title of this Technology Transfer Opportunity as listed in this FBO notice and your preferred contact information. Please also provide how you foresee using the technology along with a brief background of your company. Additionally, please identify any non-US interests/subsidiaries in your company as well. For more information about licensing other NASA Langley-developed technologies, please visit the NASA Langley's Technology Gateway at https://technologygateway.nasa.gov/ These responses are provided to members of NASA Langley's Office of Strategic Analysis and Business Development "OSACB" for the purpose of promoting public awareness of NASA-developed technology products, and conducting preliminary market research to determine public interest in and potential for future licensing opportunities. If direct licensing interest results from this posting, OSACB will follow the required formal licensing process of posting in the Federal Register. No follow-on procurement is expected to result from responses to this Notice.