Using Drones to Inspect Power Lines Safely and Efficiently
CPS Energy (CPSE) engaged EMERGE to develop policies and procedures for utilizing drones for power line inspections in Bexar County, Texas and the City of San Antonio.
Problem
CPSE wanted to implement drones to reduce power line inspection times in remote areas. The utility lacked the in-house expertise to create the required unmanned aircraft system (UAS) team and company UAS policies/procedures and obtain remote pilot licensing and FAA waivers.
Solution
The Autonomous Vehicle Systems Research Labs (AVS Labs) at EMERGE member University of the Incarnate Word helped CPSE develop expertise in the use of drones. AI and deep learning technologies were incorporated into the CPSE workflow based on research and testing conducted using AVS Labs-developed technology. Current solutions involve integrating drones into the line technician workflow, obtaining Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waivers, inspecting power lines and solar panel farms, and mapping substations using drones.
Results
CPSE has successfully established a UAS team, all licensed per FAA Part 107, and provided the CPSE Executive team with data on the benefits of using drones for infrastructure inspections.
The use of drones increases the time between mishaps for field technicians and has been shown to increase safety around power lines in Bexar County. An unexpected outcome has been the use of AI to identify and predict vegetation encroachment around power lines. The solution will ultimately enable CPSE and AVS Labs to explore the use of collaborative swarms to reduce inspection times in remote areas of Bexar County.
Meanwhile, the AVS Labs has gathered valuable outdoor testing data, which is now being incorporated into new research grants. The CPSE and AVS Labs collaboration has been showcased as a model to nearby power generation cooperatives and highlights how a university lab can have a positive impact on the ROI of an industry partner’s operating budget.
EMERGE is facilitating the transition of the AVS Labs into a Research Center, enhancing its capability to address practical engineering requirements coming from the field quickly and safely for both CPSE and the City of San Antonio.