Western Power is preparing to deploy 24 drones as part of a trial to explore whether the technology can be used to reduce pole-top fires, deter wildlife from powerlines, and accelerate decision making, in a move to monitor network faults and maintain reliability.
Western Power already uses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for asset inspections, patrols, power line stringing, fault finding and reporting.
Through a series of new trials, Western Power is now exploring whether UAVs can be used to:
- Remotely apply silicone to live insulators to reduce the risk of pole-top fires
- Map powerlines to accelerate decision making
- Install attachments to powerlines to deter wildlife and increase visibility
Investigations into whether UAVs could also be used for other purposes, including to monitor site security or to install sensors that can monitor the real-time capacity of overhead power transmission lines, are also underway.
The Western Australian Government said UAVs will be of particular importance over the summer months, with drone monitoring quicker than vehicle or foot patrols in reducing the duration of power outages.
The technology complements Western Power’s annual $1 billion network investment, which covers regular insulator replacement and treatment, as well as vegetation pruning near wires.
Western Power’s network is among the largest in Australia, with several rural distribution feeders that are more than 100km in length and pass through areas of bushfire risk.
Western Australian Energy Minister, Reece Whitby, said, “Thanks to the State Government’s ongoing commitment to keeping Western Power in public hands, Western Australian taxpayers own the poles and wires that bring electricity to our homes and businesses.
“That means we can continue government investment in securing a reliable network.
“Having sweltered through record-breaking heat last summer, I’m glad to see Western Power is on the front foot in investigating whether these drones could be used to reduce the risk of fires or faults and ensure power supply in our state’s south-west is as reliable as possible.
“Our network is large and complicated, and these investments will ensure we can make it as reliable as possible.”
