Use of UAVs and AI to determine health index of overhead lines

Why this project

The electricity sector is undergoing major changes, particularly in relation to :

• The integration of renewable energies
• The reduction of installations’ impact on the environment
• The limitation of costs for the public

It is therefore necessary to be able to determine, with a good degree of accuracy, the health index for all overhead lines (OHL) while limiting the risks to persons (internal employees, contractors and third parties).

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV, i.e. drones) and AI can respond to these major changes and can be an aid to decision-making in relation to investments (the proper actions at the right place).

Approach

The implementation of the UAV and AI was done through 3 proofs of concept (equipment, concrete poles and lattice towers) with the following methodology:

• Drafting of a technical procedure defining the working methods to use the UAV.
• Carrying out the inspection with a UAV and first on-site analysis of the methodology
• Analysis by AI on photos
• Evaluation of the results with methodology adaptation or AI learning.

Based on the results, it was decided to switch to business as usual for inspections of equipment and lattice towers with the knowledge that the AI will become more accurate in the coming years.