Statnett SF, Norway’s state-owned energy grid operator, has efficiently accomplished their first absolutely distant drone inspection flight between Aura and Viklandet, together with an in depth examination of the Viklandet substation. All the operation was managed from their Drone Operations Heart in Sunndalsøra, demonstrating the sensible advantages of autonomous drone operations for infrastructure monitoring.
This implementation reveals how energy utilities can enhance inspection effectivity and knowledge high quality whereas lowering operational prices and enhancing employee security.
Customized ADS-L Transponder for Airspace Security
A notable facet of this implementation is Statnett’s deployment of their custom-developed ADS-L (Computerized Dependent Surveillance – Mild) transponder. This proprietary answer weighs solely 30 grams and measures 17x30x50 mm, that includes sealed USB/SMA connectors and conformal-coated PCB for climate resistance.
ADS-L expertise serves an identical perform to ADS-B programs in manned aviation however is particularly tailored for unmanned plane. It contributes to situational consciousness in shared airspace, helps with airspace deconfliction between a number of plane, and helps integration with UAS Visitors Administration (UTM) programs, significantly in areas with each drone and manned plane exercise.
Integration with Drone-in-a-Field and FlytBase
The inspection operation utilized a drone docking station with FlytBase software program. This expertise mixture enabled distant launch, touchdown, and charging capabilities absolutely built-in into Statnett’s operations platform. The mission was supervised utilizing joystick management alongside real-time software program monitoring.
This integration permits for expanded operational capabilities, which may considerably enhance the scope and effectivity of vital infrastructure inspections.
As said by Espen Blomlie “The inspection flight was executed utilizing Dock and FlytBase, with full assist for distant launch, touchdown, and charging, built-in into our operations platform. The mission was supervised utilizing joystick management and real-time software program monitoring – a real showcase of the way forward for infrastructure inspections.”
Contributing to Airspace Security
Statnett is actively taking part in Norway’s nationwide drone technique and the event of coverage frameworks for rising air mobility options. Their implementation of applied sciences just like the ADS-L transponder demonstrates their dedication to advancing drone operations security.
Sensible Functions for Infrastructure Monitoring
This profitable distant inspection demonstrates the potential for energy utilities to remodel their infrastructure monitoring processes. With autonomous drone expertise, corporations can carry out extra frequent asset inspections whereas lowering the necessity for personnel to entry hazardous places, finally bettering each operational effectivity and security outcomes.
As utilities proceed to undertake autonomous drone expertise, implementations like Statnett’s present worthwhile real-world examples of efficient technical integration and safety-focused operations.
Associated
Uncover extra from sUAS Information
Subscribe to get the most recent posts despatched to your e mail.
