Drones Used to Assess Storm Damage on Utility Distribution Systems

By Caroline Rees / 06 Jun 2012

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has completed tests determining that unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, can be used effectively to assess storm damage on utility distribution systems.

Conducted at the New Mexico State University Flight Test Center, the tests involved navigating several aircraft technologies and using high resolution video cameras to transmit images of power lines from a height of 5,000 to 7,000 feet. The tests determined that such images can be used by electric utilities to assess damage and pinpoint its location following a storm.

In the wake of a storm, damage assessment is frequently a choke point in power restoration due largely to obstacles, such as downed trees blocking roads or icy conditions that make it extremely difficult for utility crews to get to and report on distribution line damage.

“Our research clearly shows that drones may provide utilities a tool that could reduce outage restoration time,” said Matthew Olearczyk, senior program manager for distribution research at EPRI. “Using live streaming video information, utility system operators would be able to dramatically improve damage assessment.”

With more accurate and timely information, system operators can better dispatch crews, establish repair priorities, and communicate more timely and accurate information to their customers.

Researchers assessed several drone technologies, looking at aircraft performance, control systems, and payloads.

The tests indicated that unmanned airborne technologies equipped with sensors, cameras and global positioning systems (GPS) could be deployed quickly, allowing utilities to evaluate large areas more quickly than ground-based crews, then develop a repair strategy and mobilize repair crews more quickly and effectively.

EPRI will also be evaluating drones and remote sensing technologies for inspection and assessment of overhead transmission lines. As part of this research, functional requirements will be identified for UAV inspection and market surveys will identify available UAV inspection technologies, services, and their costs.

Other industries such as oil and gas, forestry, and meteorology are evaluating or using unmanned air vehicle technology.

Source: EPRI

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

FAA Approves Canadian UAVs’ Sparrowhawk™ Radar for BVLOS Drone Operations

Canadian UAVs have detailed recent FAA approval of its Sparrowhawkâ„¢ Radar system, enabling advanced drone operations for police first responders in U.S. urban airspace

May 22, 2025
OceanAlpha to Demonstrate High-Endurance Autonomous USV in Dubai

OceanAlpha will demonstrate its L25 USV in Dubai, showcasing autonomous survey technology designed for offshore applications, long-endurance missions, and real-time data acquisition

May 22, 2025
Sagetech Partners to Expand BVLOS UAS Capabilities

Sagetech Avionics and MatrixSpace are advancing BVLOS capabilities for uncrewed systems with integrated detect and avoid technologies for safe, scalable UAS operations

May 22, 2025
New Gimbaled Imaging System Released for Attritable Platforms

The new HD25-LV-C by Trillium Engineering is a low-cost, gimbaled imaging system weighing less than 400g and designed to provide advanced imaging and processing capabilities for expendable sUAS

May 21, 2025
Hybrid Navigation Solution for Enhanced Resilience Against GPS Jamming & Spoofing

The new navigation solution successfully demonstrated by Advanced Navigation utilizes a software-fused inertial-centred architecture and a new laser velocity sensor

May 21, 2025
Ascent AeroSystems & Gremsy Partner on UAS Sensor Integration

Ascent AeroSystems and Gremsy agree to sign an MoU at XPONENTIAL 2025 to explore advanced sensor integration and UAS development opportunities

May 21, 2025

Featured Content

Final Call to Apply for GENIUS NY Program

The application window for GENIUS NY, the premier uncrewed systems accelerator, closes May 28th. Learn about this incredible opportunity and explore how GENIUS NY champions innovation as the official XPO+ Launcher sponsor, at XPO Booth 3613

May 20, 2025
WarrenUAS Secures FAA 44807 Exemption, Expanding Large UAS Training Capabilities

WarrenUAS has received FAA 44807 approval to train students on unmanned aerial systems weighing over 55 pounds in the NAS, placing it among only five U.S. organizations with this clearance, and expanding its national training leadership

May 15, 2025
Product Spotlight: Durable Lightweight Lithium-Ion Batteries for UAVs

American Lithium Energy (ALE)'s energy-dense lithium-ion battery cells combine high power output with built-in safety features, ideal for UAV and eVTOL applications in challenging environments

May 14, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.