Insulator Defect Detection Algorithm Based on Improved YOLOv11n

Ensuring the reliability and safety of electrical power systems requires the efficient detection of defects in high-voltage transmission line insulators, which play a critical role in electrical isolation and mechanical support. Environmental factors often lead to insulator defects, highlighting the need for accurate detection methods. This paper proposes an enhanced defect detection approach based on a lightweight neural network derived from the YOLOv11n architecture. Key innovations include a redesigned C3k2 module that incorporates multidimensional dynamic convolutions (ODConv) for improved feature extraction, the introduction of Slimneck to reduce model complexity and computational cost, and the application of the WIoU loss function to optimize anchor box handling and to accelerate convergence. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms existing models like YOLOv8 and YOLOv10 in precision, recall, and mean average precision (mAP), while maintaining low computational complexity. This approach provides a promising solution for real-time, high-accuracy insulator defect detection, enhancing the safety and reliability of power transmission systems.