This approach could transform how utilities monitor and maintain their infrastructure, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Traditionally, when anomalies in current or voltage are detected, utility workers must travel to the site to investigate, often leading to delays and increased costs. The new ORNL system leverages drones equipped with a variety of sensors to rapidly respond to unusual grid behaviors, enabling quicker identification and resolution of potential issues.Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a drone-based system to enhance the monitoring and maintenance of the electric grid, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas. This approach, demonstrated in collaboration with the utility company EPB of Chattanooga, Tennessee, represents a significant advancement in automated grid inspection. In a recent demonstration, the system was tested at a powerline worker training facility. A recording simulating the sound of electrical arcing triggered the drones into action.
A scout drone, equipped with visual and infrared cameras, as well as radio frequency sensors, was dispatched to the site. It relayed real-time data to both EPB’s command center and ORNL’s Grid Operations and Analytics Laboratory, enabling swift decision-making. The system’s ability to deploy multiple drones, each carrying specialized equipment such as high-resolution acoustic sensors, allows for comprehensive inspections without the need for human presence. This capability is crucial for quickly pinpointing issues like electrical arcing or physical damage to equipment, thereby preventing outages and reducing maintenance costs. The drone inspection system is part of a broader project known as Autonomous Intelligent Measurement Sensors and systems (AIMS), which aims to automate grid monitoring using machine-to-machine communication.
By customizing commercial off-the-shelf drones and developing new sensor technologies, ORNL has created a cost-effective solution tailored to the needs of utilities. EPB has expressed strong interest in implementing the system, highlighting its potential to enhance both routine and emergency inspections, particularly following severe weather events. This drone-based approach not only improves efficiency but also introduces a new level of precision in monitoring elevated equipment that stationary sensors cannot provide. The team continues to refine the technology, with ongoing research focused on improving sensor accuracy and ensuring secure, reliable data transmission.
