Use of UAS for Overhead Powerline (OHL) Inspection in Norway - Status and Challenges
Challenge and objective
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) have emerged as pivotal tools in fault localization inspections and scheduled assessments of overhead power lines.
Work performed
This paper examines operational aspects through structured interviews with six major grid operators in Norway.
Significant results
Drone utilization has, for most of the interviewed grid operators, organically emerged from within the organizations, initiated by line workers who recognized drones as valuable tools for on-demand inspection of OHLs.
Further exploitation of the possibilities offered by drones may require a more top-down approach and cooperation between grid operators and service providers, e.g., for training condition assessment models.
Impact for distribution system innovation
The potential of autonomous drones to facilitate repeatable data collection campaigns, coupled with automated data analysis solutions like image recognition software offers the promise of significant cost reduction.
Efficiently ensuring the reliability of ageing infrastructure.
