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

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The first studies, especially [6,9], provide an important basis for better understanding the thermographic inspection technique using drones, also showing how image processing helps identify defects.

“The first studies, especially [6,9], provide an important basis for better understanding the thermographic inspection technique using drones, also showing how image processing helps identify defects, which are delegated to maintenance teams to resolve.”

• cites [6] Li, Z., Zhang, Y., Wu, H., Suzuki, S., Namiki, A., and Wang, W. (2023). Design and Application of a UAV Autonomous Inspection System for High-Voltage Power Transmission Lines. Remote Sens., 15. sourcePartly supported

  Section 3.1 describes drone photographs being reviewed with manual and deep-learning methods, followed by reports that staff use to arrange maintenance. But it says the automated method mainly detects bird’s nests, while line defects are reviewed manually; the Discussion confirms that the deployed algorithm cannot yet detect other line defects. The cited passages do not establish a thermographic inspection technique. (LLM, conf=0.87)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [9] Santos, T., Cunha, T., Dias, A., Moreira, A.P., and Almeida, J. (2024). UAV Visual and Thermographic Power Line Detection Using Deep Learning. Sensors, 24. sourcePartly supported

  The Introduction describes UAV thermographic inspection and says thermal images are commonly used to monitor faults such as hot spots. However, the Implemented Image Processing Approach (section 3) trains its models to detect power lines, not defects; it does not show that its image processing identifies defects for maintenance teams. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Publications [4,5,6,7,8,9,10] address techniques for carrying out preventive inspections on transmission lines using RPASs with thermal cameras, demonstrating the importance of using this technology and the impact of using aircraft to carry out inspections.

“Publications [4,5,6,7,8,9,10] address techniques for carrying out preventive inspections on transmission lines using RPASs with thermal cameras, demonstrating the importance of using this technology and the impact of using aircraft to carry out inspections.”

• cites [4] Jalil, 2019, Visible and Infrared Imaging Based Inspection of Power Installation, Pattern Recognit. Image Anal. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [5] Jalil, B., Leone, G.R., Martinelli, M., Moroni, D., Pascali, M.A., and Berton, A. (2019). Fault Detection in Power Equipment via an Unmanned Aerial System Using Multi Modal Data. Sensors, 19. sourceSupported
• cites [6] Li, Z., Zhang, Y., Wu, H., Suzuki, S., Namiki, A., and Wang, W. (2023). Design and Application of a UAV Autonomous Inspection System for High-Voltage Power Transmission Lines. Remote Sens., 15. sourcePartly supported

  Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [7] Lukačević, I., and Lagator, D. (2022). Requirements for High-Quality Thermal Inspection of the Transmission Lines. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, Proceedings of the 31st International Conference on Organization and Technology of Maintenance (OTO 2022), Osijek, Croatia, 12 December 2022, Springer. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [8] Fj, F., Meganathan, L., Esha, M., Nguyen, G.M.T., and Doss, A. (2023, January 8–10). Power Transmission Line Inspection Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle—A Review. Proceedings of the 2023 Innovations in Power and Advanced Computing Technologies (i-PACT), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [9] Santos, T., Cunha, T., Dias, A., Moreira, A.P., and Almeida, J. (2024). UAV Visual and Thermographic Power Line Detection Using Deep Learning. Sensors, 24. sourceSupported
• cites [10] Wong, 2021, Power Transmission Line Fault Detection and Diagnosis Based on Artificial Intelligence Approach and its Development in UAV: A Review, Arab. J. Sci. Eng. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Publications [11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20] report the use of the AHP method to prioritize and optimize processes in several areas.

“Publications [11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20] report the use of the AHP method to prioritize and optimize processes in several areas.”

• cites [11] Prommachan, 2024, Selection Criteria for Evaluating Predictive Maintenance Techniques for Rotating Machinery using the Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP), Eng. Technol. Appl. Sci. Res. sourceSupported
• cites [12] Choi, W., Jang, B., Jung, I., Sung, H., and Jang, Y. (2023). Evaluation of Preferences for a Thermal-Camera-Based Abnormal Situation Detection Service via the Integrated Fuzzy AHP/TOPSIS Model. Appl. Sci., 13. sourceSupported
• cites [13] Huang, 2024, Review of nondestructive testing methods for fiber-reinforced polymer composites, Acta Aeronaut. Astronaut. Sin.Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [14] Chadly, A., Aldayyani, H.Y., Hamasha, M.M., Amer, S.E., Maalouf, M., and Mayyas, A. (2024). Selection of optimal strategy for managing decentralized solar PV systems considering uncertain weather conditions. Sci. Rep., 14. sourceSupported
• cites [15] Khan, M.S., Shah, S.I.A., Javed, A., Qadri, N.M., and Hussain, N. (2021, January 12–16). Drone selection using multi-criteria decision-making methods. Proceedings of the 2021 International Bhurban Conference on Applied Sciences and Technologies (IBCAST), Islamabad, Pakistan. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [16] Duxbury, 2024, Dynamic decision making for situational awareness using drones: Requirements, identification and comparison of decision support methods, Expert Syst. Appl. sourceCould not verify

  The available passages labeled Abstract list AHP as a keyword, but do not describe its use to prioritize or optimize processes. Searches for AHP, prioritization, and applications across areas returned only bibliographic material, so our copy does not establish the attributed claim. (LLM, conf=0.72)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [17] Gharrad, H., Jabeur, N., and Yasar, A.U.-H. (2022). Hierarchical Analysis Process for Belief Management in Internet of Drones. Sensors, 22. sourceSupported
• cites [18] Luejai, 2021, Condition Assessment of Overhead Transmission Line Using Weighting and Scoring Method and IT Application, J. Electr. Eng. Technol. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [19] Izhar, 2024, Electric Transmission Tower Corrosion Assessment Using Analytic Hierarchy Process and Health. Index, Pertanika J. Sci. Technol. sourcePartly supported

  The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) section describes using AHP to assign priorities through pairwise comparisons, and Towards Corrosion Hazard Level applies those weights to transmission-tower assessment (page numbers unavailable). This supports the paper as an example of AHP-based prioritization, but our copy does not report that it optimized a process. (LLM, conf=0.82)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [20] Wang, 2025, A Study on the Evaluation Method for the Operating Status of Overhead Transmission Lines Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Eng. Rep. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In [11,12,13], the AHP method is used for thermography in different areas such as industry, CCTV and polymer composites, elucidating the possibilities of applying AHP using the thermographic technique in various areas.

“In [11,12,13], the method is used for thermography, but in different areas such as industry, closed-circuit television (CCTV) and polymer composites; however, these applications have proven to be very useful, as they elucidate the possibilities of applying AHP using the thermographic technique in various areas.”

• cites [11] Prommachan, 2024, Selection Criteria for Evaluating Predictive Maintenance Techniques for Rotating Machinery using the Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP), Eng. Technol. Appl. Sci. Res. sourceSupported
• cites [12] Choi, W., Jang, B., Jung, I., Sung, H., and Jang, Y. (2023). Evaluation of Preferences for a Thermal-Camera-Based Abnormal Situation Detection Service via the Integrated Fuzzy AHP/TOPSIS Model. Appl. Sci., 13. sourceSupported
• cites [13] Huang, 2024, Review of nondestructive testing methods for fiber-reinforced polymer composites, Acta Aeronaut. Astronaut. Sin.Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

In [21], criticality matrices are demonstrated, which are widely used by energy transmission companies.

“In [21], criticality matrices are demonstrated, which are widely used by energy transmission companies.”

• cites [21] Suwanasri, C., Saribut, S., Suwanasri, T., and Phadungthin, R. (2021). Risk Analysis Using Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis for Transmission Network Assets. Energies, 14. sourcePartly supported

  The Criticality Analysis section demonstrates a 5 × 5 criticality matrix for transmission-line risks. The Results and Discussion section says an asset-management program was widely used within one utility provider, but does not establish that criticality matrices are widely used by energy transmission companies generally. (LLM, conf=0.88)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The authors of [18,19,20,21] apply AHP to transmission lines, mainly to defects; among these studies, [18,21] are most relevant to the search for prioritization and the establishment of criteria used for transmission lines.

“Finally, the authors of [18,19,20,21] apply AHP to transmission lines, mainly to defects; among these studies, [18,21] are most relevant to the search for prioritization and the establishment of criteria used for transmission lines.”

• cites [18] Luejai, 2021, Condition Assessment of Overhead Transmission Line Using Weighting and Scoring Method and IT Application, J. Electr. Eng. Technol. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [19] Izhar, 2024, Electric Transmission Tower Corrosion Assessment Using Analytic Hierarchy Process and Health. Index, Pertanika J. Sci. Technol. sourceSupported
• cites [20] Wang, 2025, A Study on the Evaluation Method for the Operating Status of Overhead Transmission Lines Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Eng. Rep. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [21] Suwanasri, C., Saribut, S., Suwanasri, T., and Phadungthin, R. (2021). Risk Analysis Using Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis for Transmission Network Assets. Energies, 14. sourcePartly supported

  Section 3.1 describes using AHP to weight testing methods for transmission-line condition assessment, and the Conclusions describe criteria for ranking maintenance, refurbishment, or replacement priorities. The paper does not characterize its application as mainly concerned with defects; its analysis also covers safety/reliability, environmental, and financial risks. No page numbers are available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The authors of [14,15,16,17] describe the use of RPASs to clean solar panels, define the need to purchase a drone, in maritime installations, and for belief management in internet technology, respectively, applications that all used the AHP method to optimize and prioritize processes, sometimes in combination with other MCDA techniques.

“The authors of [14,15,16,17] describe the use of RPASs to clean solar panels, define the need to purchase a drone, in maritime installations, and for belief management in internet technology, respectively, applications that all used the AHP method to optimize and prioritize processes, sometimes in combination with other multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques.”

• cites [14] Chadly, A., Aldayyani, H.Y., Hamasha, M.M., Amer, S.E., Maalouf, M., and Mayyas, A. (2024). Selection of optimal strategy for managing decentralized solar PV systems considering uncertain weather conditions. Sci. Rep., 14. sourceSupported
• cites [15] Khan, M.S., Shah, S.I.A., Javed, A., Qadri, N.M., and Hussain, N. (2021, January 12–16). Drone selection using multi-criteria decision-making methods. Proceedings of the 2021 International Bhurban Conference on Applied Sciences and Technologies (IBCAST), Islamabad, Pakistan. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [16] Duxbury, 2024, Dynamic decision making for situational awareness using drones: Requirements, identification and comparison of decision support methods, Expert Syst. Appl. sourceCould not verify

  Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 0 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 2 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [17] Gharrad, H., Jabeur, N., and Yasar, A.U.-H. (2022). Hierarchical Analysis Process for Belief Management in Internet of Drones. Sensors, 22. sourceSupported

May combine two claims.

The rankings of the alternatives show several changes but still exhibit a general consistency in the position of the results, with great influence from the difference in the values of the criteria.

“The rankings are shown in a comparative way, demonstrating several changes; however, it is still possible to notice a general consistency in the position of the results, with the great influence provided by the difference in the values of the criteria.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

No studies with the same specificity were found.

“considering that no studies with the same specificity were found”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

The methodology was initially successful, with a view to reducing equipment failures and avoiding unscheduled shutdowns of transmission lines where the most critical criteria were present.

“Despite this, the methodology was initially successful, with a view to reducing equipment failures and avoiding unscheduled shutdowns of transmission lines where the most critical criteria that were defined were present.”

May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

The consistency ratio (CR) of 0.0032 (0.32%) is less than 0.1, confirming the consistency of the hierarchy of criteria.

“The resulting CR < 0.1 confirms the consistency of the hierarchy of the criteria listed above [26].”

• cites [26] Siekelova, 2021, Analytic Hierarchy Process in Multiple–Criteria Decision–Making: A Model Example, SHS Web Conf. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

The results obtained align with expectations.

“The results obtained align with expectations”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

There is a notable difference in percentage points between the weights of the criteria.

“There is a notable difference in percentage points between the weights of the criteria, given that they are more subjective items, based on the professionals’ experiences and perceptions gained throughout their professional lives.”

May combine two claims.

The percentage values of the alternatives fluctuated much less than the criteria in the comparisons, but were influenced by them, significantly impacting the final values.

“The percentage values of the alternatives are also shown in a comparative manner; these fluctuated much less in relation to the criteria in the comparisons, but when related to the final values, they were influenced by them. This had a significant impact on the final values, as shown in Table 11.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The experts' perceptions were noticeably different according to their technical and sectoral characteristics and alignment with the history of the company and management.

“It is also possible to note that the experts’ perceptions were noticeably different according to their technical and sectoral characteristics and alignment with the history of the company and management.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

There is a lack of research that covers all the areas proposed in this paper (multi-criteria analysis, transmission lines, RPASs, and thermography).

“There is a lack of research that covers all the areas proposed in this paper.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The criteria to be considered in the multicriteria selection method (technical, financial, safety, and systemic/social) were defined based on the research reviewed, the authors' experience, and training provided.

“Based on the research reviewed, the authors’ experience, and training provided, the criteria to be considered in the multicriteria selection method were defined, namely technical, financial, safety, and systemic/social criteria.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Stage 2 involves validation with experts (engineers and managers) and making adjustments if necessary, ensuring the validity of the methodology and confirming the results of the work.

“Stage 2 involves applying the technique developed using AHP to transmission lines, demonstrating the prioritization of inspections using drones with thermal imaging cameras based on the criteria and weights defined in stage 1; validation with experts, which involves engineers and managers; and making adjustments if necessary, ensuring the validity of the methodology and confirming the results of”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Professionals with different characteristics were consulted to verify their understanding of the proposed criteria and alternatives.

“Professionals with different characteristics were consulted, to verify their understanding of the proposed criteria and alternatives, leaving room for suggestions of alterations, additions, and changes according to what the professionals understood should be present.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

A qualitative research questionnaire was prepared to define the values for each criterion and alternatives, and it was validated by experts.

“A qualitative research questionnaire was prepared to define the values for each criterion adopted and the alternatives for each criterion. It was as a reference for calculation and subsequent validation by experts”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

There are currently no prioritization methodologies for prioritizing predictive maintenance activities in transmission lines using drones with thermal cameras.

“There are currently no prioritization methodologies for this purpose.”

May combine two claims.

The weights were defined according to the authors' expertise and structured based on recent history, and were validated later with other experts.

“The values were defined according to the authors’ expertise and structured based on the recent history of decision-making regarding the use of visual drones in CPFL transmission, considering that drones with thermal cameras are a very recent technology and are still being studied through R&D activities. These weights were validated later with other experts.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Transitioning to thermography using drones makes it easier to carry out inspections, since there is no need for an aircraft with a pilot; this also reduces the costs involved with the activity.

“Transitioning to thermography using drones makes it easier to carry out inspections, since there is no need for an aircraft with a pilot; this also reduces the costs involved with the activity.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The systemic/social criterion assessment is based on the experience of transmission companies.

“Like the safety item, this assessment is based in the experience of transmission companies and defines the systemic impact of the possible shutdown of the Transmission Line”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

The weights for the criteria are defined according to the authors' knowledge based on the current approach to managing the concessionaire's assets, references researched, and courses and workshops held in the past, and are subsequently validated by consulting experts in stage 2.

“The weights are defined according to the authors’ knowledge based on the current approach to managing the concessionaire’s assets, references researched, and courses and workshops held in the past, which provide a basis for adequately establishing the weights for each of the defined elements, which are subsequently validated by consulting experts in stage 2.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The professionals were chosen according to the unique insights their experiences afforded, providing a variety of perspectives.

“The professionals were chosen according to the unique insights their experiences afforded, which provided a variety of perspectives on the activity.”

May combine two claims.

Using the AHP method, each criterion was ranked and assigned a weight, identifying the optimized solution for the most advantageous predictive maintenance plan that meets the proposed criteria for the concessionaire's transmission system.

“Using the AHP method, each criterion was ranked and assigned a weight, identifying the optimized solution for the most advantageous predictive maintenance plan that would meet the criteria proposed in this paper for the concessionaire’s transmission system.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

The use of a drone with a thermographic camera enables better analysis of anomalies, since it replaces ground inspection and can bring the thermographic camera closer to the hotspot, reducing the influence of weather conditions and distance from the object and ensuring that the images captured better portray the conditions of the anomaly.

“The use of a drone with a thermographic camera enables better analysis of anomalies, since it replaces ground inspection and can bring the thermographic camera closer to the hotspot, reducing the influence of weather conditions and distance from the object and ensuring that the images captured better portray the conditions of the anomaly.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Problems in the conduction of electrical energy through the elements comprising an energy transmission system can result in excess heat, which can be identified using thermography.
• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Thermography is a very efficient predictive maintenance technique for detecting anomalies resulting from faulty contacts between power conduction circuits, with the ability to classify detected faults according to their temperature and location characteristics, enabling decision-makers to determine an appropriate time for corrective maintenance before system failure occurs.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

An AHP model is used for validation by professionals, with a view to equalizing the information and ensuring that resulting decisions are aligned with the company's history of action for system occurrences.

“Since there is complexity in assigning weights in relation to the defined criteria, an AHP model is used for validation by professionals, with a view to equalizing the information and ensuring that resulting decisions are aligned with the company’s history of action for system occurrences, considering the reasons for events with the greatest repercussions and most resulting damage from technical”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Several flights were performed using drones with thermographic cameras to ensure the robustness of the established criteria.

“Several flights were performed using drones with thermographic cameras to ensure the robustness of the established criteria, as demonstrated by a thermographic image taken by a drone (Figure 3).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

The use of thermographic inspection using drones will be successful as long as it is directed appropriately.

“It was possible to verify that the use of thermographic inspection using drones will be successful as long as it is directed appropriately.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

The criteria (technical, safety, systemic/social, and financial) are based on approaches currently implemented by some transmission concessionaires, with some points modified according to the expertise of the author, some professionals in the field, and the literature reviewed, and adjustments were made to ensure they are specific to thermographic inspections carried out using drones.

“These criteria are based on approaches currently implemented by some transmission concessionaires, with some points modified according to the expertise of the author, some professionals in the field, and the literature reviewed. Some adjustments were also made to ensure the criteria are specific to thermographic inspections carried out using drones.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

The sampling was quite consistent in this work.

“Although the sampling was quite consistent in this work”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The safety criterion assessment is based on consultations with various energy transmission companies regarding the points of greatest risk to life.

“This assessment is based on consultations with various energy transmission companies regarding the points of greatest risk to life”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

The AHP method is suitable for developing the methodology proposed in this work.

“the AHP method proves suitable for developing the methodology proposed in this work”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

The work can serve as a basis for the development of an auxiliary tool for use by electric power transmission companies.

“it can serve as a basis for the development of an auxiliary tool for use by electric power transmission companies”

May combine two claims.

The AHP parameters were defined following expert consultation and have been validated by professionals with extensive experience with transmission lines.

“the parameters were defined following expert consultation, and have been demonstrated in the literature review to be validated by professionals with extensive experience with transmission lines”