Insulator defect detection in transmission line based on an improved lightweight YOLOv5s algorithm.

• Proposes an improved YOLOv5s model which combines the GIoU, Mish, and CBAM modules. • The improved algorithm can effectively detect different-size insulator defects under different environmental backgrounds. • The AP value in detecting insulator defects can be improved by 5 %. As one of the most important components on the transmission line, the insulator is prone to failure, which affects the safe operation of electrical power system. Hence, it is crucial to accurately detect the insulator defects for further maintenance in time. Recently, with the development of artificial intelligence and target detection algorithms, the insulator defect detection has received more and more attention. However, there are still existing some difficulties: insufficient samples and low detection accuracy. To improve the accuracy of insulator defect detection, this paper proposes an auto-detection method based on an improved lightweight YOLOv5s model. First, this paper introduces the basic network frame of YOLOv5s and proposes an improved algorithm by utilizing the GIoU loss function, Mish activation function, and CBAM module. Then, performs data enhancement in the insulator dataset to enhance the robustness of the model. Finally, trains and tests the improved YOLOv5s model, and compares it with traditional target detection algorithms. Compared with traditional target detection algorithms, the AP value of the proposed algorithm in detecting insulator defects can be improved by 5 %. The results demonstrate the improved algorithm proposed in this paper can effectively identify and position the insulator defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]