TransGrid has initiated a pioneering trial leveraging cutting-edge drone technology to survey its high-voltage transmission network across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. The aim of this initiative is to significantly improve the corporation’s bushfire preparedness strategies, thereby ensuring the safety of indigenous communities and minimising environmental consequences.
Bushfire Preparation with Drone Know-how
Jennifer Hughes, Government’s Chief Supervisor of Supply, underscored the critical importance of bushfire preparedness measures for Transgrid. “We treat preparation for bushfire season with utmost seriousness, prioritizing the safety and security of our people, landowners, and communities as our top priority.”
TransGrid is trialling drones equipped with advanced LiDAR technology to identify vegetation encroachment near transmission lines. The company is pioneering the use of cutting-edge drone technology, leveraging 3D-laser surveys and LiDAR expertise to conduct meticulous scans of the community surrounding its transmission easement, thereby enabling timely vegetation management and preserving security, reliability, while fostering operational efficiencies.
To conduct its yearly bushfire prevention initiatives, Transgrid typically employs helicopters or light aircraft to undertake LiDAR surveys. Spanning over 13,000 kilometres of community, equivalent to a journey from Sydney to Perth four times.
Partnering with Drone Know-how Specialists
Transgrid has teamed up with a Sydney-based drone manufacturer for this pilot. The trial involves Carbonix’s long-range, hybrid-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The company’s fleet of drones has received accreditation from the Civil Aviation Security Authority (CASA), ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and is piloted by qualified professionals who have obtained the necessary licenses to operate these vehicles. Carbonix’s fixed-wing drone, the Ottano, has the capability to fly up to 500 kilometers on a single mission, enabling effective surveillance of transmission lines throughout its extensive range.
In the heart of the Megalong Valley, nestled within the majestic Blue Mountains, a trailblazing endeavor unfolded as a drone effortlessly captured stunning visuals and data while soaring through the skies at an impressive velocity of approximately 90 kilometers per hour, its flight path carefully controlled to maintain a safe altitude of under 400 feet. This unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology provides a safer and more cost-effective alternative to traditional crewed aircraft.
Hughes underscored the benefits of deploying drones versus traditional aircraft, remarking that they would provide significant operational and environmental advantages by reducing costs and carbon emissions while boosting security and efficiency.
Lowering Environmental Impression
The potential environmental benefits are also noteworthy. “The deployment of drones has the potential to significantly reduce the need for 185 hours of LiDAR inspections conducted by crewed planes, ultimately resulting in a decrease of over 12 tonnes of CO2 emissions.” Transgrid’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its reduced carbon emissions.
With their ease of deployment, drones offer the potential for faster turnaround times on inspections and more timely detection of bushfire risks. Additionally, they offer decreased noise ranges that minimize disruption to landowners, livestock, and wildlife.
Wanting Towards the Future
Carbonix CEO Philip van der Burg voiced enthusiasm for the endeavour, stating: “Ottano’s ability to cover vast distances while capturing high-quality images quickly and at low altitude enables thorough inspections without the logistical burdens and environmental impacts associated with traditional manned aircraft.”
The partnership aims to revolutionize asset management within the energy industry. “This milestone trial underscores our commitment to revolutionizing asset management by harnessing the power of drone technology, yielding significant benefits in practical applications.” Additionally, he acknowledged that this initiative is in line with overall goals to reduce environmental impact and boost operational efficiency.
TransGrid intends to conduct trials throughout the entire year, while also piloting tests for Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. By 2025, the corporation aims to consistently integrate specialized drones into its yearly LiDAR survey operations.
This initiative showcases Transgrid’s commitment to innovation, security, and sustainability by pioneering novel approaches that simultaneously support local communities and protect native ecosystems from the threats of bushfires.
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