Hotline of power engineering specialists:
IDGC of Centre - Lipetskenergo division is performing scientific work to apply the latest technologies in diagnosing the most important element of electric grids - power lines.
Within the framework of research work on implementation of automated unmanned technologies for diagnostics purposes, an unmanned aerial vehicle (multi-copter) with suspended specialized equipment is being tested at IDGC of Centre - Lipetskenergo division. In addition to a conventional camera with a shooting angle of 360 degrees, it is equipped with a thermal imager. The multi-copter is designed for inspection of power lines and substations, including in remote, hard to reach areas.
Data obtained from drones will enable Lipetskenergo’s specialists to evaluate and predict impact of natural factors on overhead lines, detect defects of wire and insulation, monitor exclusion zones, and measure forest plantations along a line. Because the multi-copter is equipped with a thermal imager, it is possible to detect hidden defects of wire and insulation at an early stage.
During the flight over power facilities, the thermal imager displays elements of the power line that are heated. For power engineers, this means one thing - a particular section has been worn out, and soon a breakage is possible here. Thus, specialists of the Lipetsk branch of IDGC of Centre will be able to identify worn-out equipment and repair it even before emergencies arise.
The multi-copter can fly at minus temperatures and wind speeds up to 10 m/s, which will allow to conduct inspections of power facilities practically all year round.
"This innovation for Lipetskenergo is only a small step towards increasing the efficiency of our core business. The multi-copter will detect problem points at absolutely all power facilities. As a result, the number of power outages will decrease. The use of modern technologies will ensure the efficiency of production processes and increase the reliability of electricity supply to the population and enterprises of the Lipetsk region," outlined the development area Sergey Koval, Director of IDGC of Centre - Lipetskenergo division.
The scientific part of the work will be continued in 2019 with the aim of developing the newest technology for diagnosing power lines in automatic mode.
