Use Case Roundup: Drones in the Utility Industry

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from the roanoke Times

In recent years, drones have become invaluable tools for utility companies, offering a range of benefits from enhanced efficiency to improved safety and cost-effectiveness.

One of the primary applications of drones in the utility industry is infrastructure inspection. Traditional methods of inspection, such as manual inspections or manned aircraft, are often costly, time-consuming, and potentially hazardous. By employing drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, LiDAR sensors, and thermal imaging technology, utility companies can conduct comprehensive inspections with unprecedented efficiency and precision. 

Here, we’ve gathered several use cases where drones are helping utility companies work smarter and safer. 

Want to hear about the latest projects, tech and best practices for drones in the utility sector?  How to start, scale and safely deploy drones, shared by those UAV leaders who have already been there and done that?  

Then join us at the 8th Annual Energy Drone & Robotics Summit, June 10-12 in Houston, TX.

Drones and Computer Vision

A recent article in Power Magazine discussed the integration of computer vision technology with drones in the utility industry, highlighting its diverse applications and benefits. In the nuclear power sector, drones are used for inspecting areas that pose safety risks to human inspectors or are difficult to access. Computer vision analyzes the collected images, detecting defects in concrete containment structures through machine learning models, streamlining inspections and improving safety.

Similarly, in the solar power industry, drones equipped with cameras gather data on solar panels, which is then processed through computer vision algorithms. This technology identifies anomalies such as soiled panels or vegetation overgrowth, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing downtime and repair costs. 

Despite the advantages, widespread adoption faces barriers such as the lack of mandates from regulators or insurers and concerns about costs and risks. However, advancing technology, including lower drone costs and enhanced analytical capabilities, is rapidly changing the landscape, making computer vision solutions increasingly feasible and beneficial for the utility industry.

Drone-driven Power Facility Inspections

An article in Power Engineering discussed the transformative impact of AI-powered drone technology on the utility industry's asset management practices, particularly in power generation. It outlines the challenges faced by utilities, including aging infrastructure, budget constraints, workforce shortages, and regulatory pressures. To address these challenges, utilities are increasingly turning to AI-powered drones for condition-based maintenance (CBM) and asset monitoring.

AI-powered drones offer utilities the ability to access hazardous or remote areas, collect real-time data, and make informed decisions about asset health. By leveraging comprehensive data collection capabilities, utilities can tailor maintenance interventions to the actual condition of assets, optimizing resource allocation and extending the capabilities of their workforce.

The article highlights real-world examples of utility companies, such as Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E), Southern Company, American Electric Power (AEP), ComEd, Dominion Energy, and New York Power Authority (NYPA), leveraging drone technology to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and reliability. From remote inspections to proactive issue identification and compliance with regulatory requirements, drones are reshaping utility asset management practices.

Determining ROI of Utility Drone Inspection Programs

We published an article that explores the evaluation of return on investment (ROI) for utility drone inspection programs, which are increasingly adopted worldwide in energy utilities. While calculating the costs of such programs is relatively straightforward, including expenses for drones, pilots, software, maintenance, and service provider fees, assessing the benefits poses more challenges. Determining the monetary value of safety, increased inspection frequency, and the ability of drones to detect damage missed by humans is complex.

The article highlights the increased productivity and data quality achieved through drone inspections compared to traditional methods. Even if drone programs have similar costs to manual inspections upfront, the frequency and quality of inspections can yield significant benefits. For instance, a case study showed that drone inspections identified 48% more conditions and four high-priority issues missed by ground inspections alone.

Despite the upfront investment required for drones, the benefits, both tangible and intangible, often justify the cost. However, determining the exact ROI beforehand is challenging due to various factors dependent on the organization's goals and circumstances. Like any investment, drone programs involve some level of risk, but the potential payoff can be substantial.

Asset Owners Talk Drone Inspection

Another Energy Drone & Robotics article covered insights shared by energy asset owners on a conference panel regarding their experiences with drone inspections. 

  • Rohit Gohil of Ameren discussed the advantages of drones in conducting infrared inspections, emphasizing their ability for close-range data acquisition, leading to more precise asset information. 

  • Teena Deering from TeeDeeUAS and San Diego Gas & Electric shared strategies for handling public interference with drones during residential inspections.

  • Jake Lahmann of Valmont Industries elaborated on the company's evolving drone operations and scaling strategies. 

  • Stanley McHann of SparkMeter emphasized the importance of selecting appropriate equipment for drone inspections to maximize return on investment (ROI).

The panel addressed the specialization of drone applications, data processing software, the role of artificial intelligence in processing drone-collected data, and the need for standardized data formats. They also discussed challenges such as the need for more education within organizations, understanding drones' specific strengths, and the growth of the drone industry in the energy sector over the past five years.

Overall, the use of drones in the utility industry offers many benefits, including improved efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. As technology continues to advance and regulatory frameworks evolve, drones are poised to play an increasingly integral role in the day-to-day operations of utility companies, helping to ensure the reliability, resilience, and sustainability of critical infrastructure networks.

Be sure to check out the Energy Drone & Robotics Summit, this June, where Utility Asset Owner/Operators, like Ameren, Duke Energy, SDG&E, ComEd, Vistra, and Southern Company share their latest projects, plans and case studies!