High-tech solutions used in airborne inspection of Latvian power grids

In this age of new technologies, all industries are trying to implement innovative solutions to make their daily operations easier and more efficient. As is the Latvian transmission systems operator Augstsprieguma tīkls AS (AST), which has ordered the first-ever innovative power line inspection and data management in order to identify structures and objects that threaten power grids and could lead to dangerous situations.

Laserpas, a company specializing in surveillance and high-precision monitoring solutions for large power line operators by using drones and manned helicopters, has carried out a project monitoring potential hazards to power grids that can be caused by various types of objects. By using LiDAR services with nadir oblique and thermal cameras, Laserpas performed airborne electrical scanning during the project, examining various structures and objects and the threats they posed.

Throughout the project, the Laserpas team investigated the condition of buildings and other objects close to the power line by using a manned helicopter. Railways, roads, trees and water bodies were identified as potential threats. The company also detected that the greatest risk of disaster in the area under study came from vegetation. Unattended trees and other plants could lead to serious damage to the power grids.  However, broken insulators and hot spots were not detected. According to generated profiling, there were no places where conductor sag would be too low. 

“We are delighted to get an opportunity to demonstrate how new technologies and innovative solutions can be applied in power grid monitoring processes. The end results prove that these new ways are more efficient in terms of time and expense,” states Mantas Vaskela, CEO of Laserpas.

“The project conducted by Laserpas is very important for us in order to ensure the quality and safety of electric lines. We were impressed by the results that came out of this inspection and how new technologies were involved at all stages. We appreciate the efficient work of the Laserpas team, its flexibility and responsibility, which allows us to improve, so we will cooperate in the future,” said AST.