Let us start by understanding what the current conventional (non-drone) aerial methods of overhead power line inspection are. What are the limitations of these methods?
The most common technique for power line inspection is ground patrol. Here, workers would usually take geo-tagged pictures from the bottom up using visual and infrared sensors. For companies that seek higher-quality data, low-flying helicopters have been an option traditionally. But none of these methods are free from limitations. While old-school manual patrolling is highly inefficient, hiring helicopters on a regular basis proves quite expensive for most companies.
We understand that the new drone-based maintenance system recently introduced by Terra Drone is based on the intelligence acquired through inspection of 90,000 km of power lines worldwide. What were the major shortcomings observed in existing drone-based systems?
The biggest drawback with the existing drone-based systems was that inspection work could not be managed comprehensively. Multiple costly software systems were used for different tasks, all requiring dedicated manpower. For example, while there would be a system to manage the data acquired by drones, the report detailing issues like missing parts or corrosion would need to be produced manually. In some cases, even though you could notice a defect in a picture, its exact position would not be obvious and you would have to fly the drone again.
This is what inspired us to develop a solution that not only integrates all the needs of power line transmission and distribution maintenance in one place, but also automates fault detection and report generation. Our solution leverages avant-garde technologies like computer vision, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to automate drone inspection of power lines and distribution facilities.
What are therefore the key features of the drone-based grid inspection system of Terra Drone?
Autonomous take-off, navigation, and landing: Our solution solves the traditional problem of drones not being able to cover long distances for power line inspection because we are introducing a system called ‘drone-in-a-box’ which would enable automatic power supply and automatic take-off and landing of drones from pre-defined points. This is simply unprecedented in the industry.
Automatic problem detection using AI: The system detects issues like crossovers at the bottom of transmission lines, construction machinery near power lines, rusts on tower parts, bolts loosening, bird’s nests, etc., and highlights them in an auto-generated report.
Effective vegetation management and change detection: Inspection data captured regularly enables efficient long-term maintenance of power assets. By comparing the data from different time intervals, change detection becomes easy. Efficient vegetation management also becomes possible because vegetation growth near the transmission lines can be identified accurately.
Integrated management system: You will be able to access all key information points, such as drone flight information, battery or spare parts inventory status, pilots’ work status, etc., in one place. On-ground workers can also be assigned tasks directly from within the system.
The biggest drawback with the existing drone-based systems was that inspection work could not be managed comprehensively. Multiple costly software systems were used for different tasks, all requiring dedicated manpower. For example, while there would be a system to manage the data acquired by drones, the report detailing issues like missing parts or corrosion would need to be produced manually. In some cases, even though you could notice a defect in a picture, its exact position would not be obvious and you would have to fly the drone again.
We understand that the Terra Drone grid inspection has an “autonomous flight” feature. Please discuss.
Safer flights are made possible by taking complicated manual operations out of the picture. In the absence of manual operations, better collision avoidance is also achieved. The solution comes with an intuitive UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) autopilot application specializing in the inspection of steel towers and power lines. The application is user-friendly, so even non-experts, such as electric power company workers, can use the solution easily.
What are the typical problems that can arise in the power grid due to non-maintenance of power lines?
To apprise you more with the kind of problems that can arise with non-maintenance of power lines, let me give you the example of American utility provider Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E). In 2018, PG&E’s transmission lines sparked the deadliest wildfire in California’s history. This fire killed 85 people and destroyed nearly 19,000 homes, businesses, and other buildings. Estimates place PG&E’s wildfire-related liabilities in the vicinity of $20 billion to $30 billion. And experts believe this incident could have been avoided by regular inspections of power towers, poles, and substations.
What are your company’s plans of introducing its grid inspection services to India?
We have already started approaching government transmission utilities regarding the potential of UAV and GIS in grid inspection, keeping forward the multiple advantages of adopting to the newer technology. We are positive that there will be key developments on this front in the months to come. As is the case of private companies, adaptation rate towards the newer technology is higher and seems quite promising.
Would Terra Drone also be providing training to its Indian customers?
Yes, all our customers will be provided with proper training and handholding through our collaboration with Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy (APFT), and Flying Training Organization (FTO), approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). We will also be providing support and regular updates to all clients.
Most of India’s power transmission & distribution grid is owned by government agencies (both Central and state). How do you therefore intend to promote your services? We are assuming that the private sector is more receptive to adopting new technologies than the government sector.
This may have been the case five to six years ago. However, today we can see that government departments are taking positive strides toward the adoption of latest technologies such as drones and AI. They may have not come at par with the private sector in this regard but they are steadily moving toward it. We plan to approach the different state electricity boards and showcase our capabilities and case studies to them in an attempt to help them adapt.
India has a sprawling power transmission network, and a growing one at that. How do you see business opportunities in India?
As of August 2019, India has achieved a sprawling transmission line network of 4.17 lakh circuit km. This number is proof enough to ascertain that the transmission sector in India has vast opportunities in store for the fast-growing drone industry.
Do you think that in the medium term say 5 to 7 years, India, thanks to its potential, could account for a sizeable proportion of Terra Drone’s global business?
It may come as a surprise to you, but India already holds one of the top spots for Terra Drone’s current business. The upcoming strategy would only be to expand our client base and project list in India.
