SA Power Networks is monitoring its network with its advanced drone fleet to ensure a reliable and safe power supply throughout the state.
Established in 2016, the utility’s drone program is driven by a team of highly trained pilots and a commitment to innovation.
The utility said the success of the program relies on the expertise of its pilots.
Each undergoes a rigorous training program to earn their Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) remote pilot’s license. The intensive course covers CASA’s regulations, safe operation around other aircraft and in public areas, pre-flight checks, safe flying techniques, and emergency procedures.
SA Power Networks said it is proud to have a growing team, with a recent accreditation of another group of new pilots bringing its total to 67 dedicated professionals.
According to the utility, the skilled drone pilots and advanced drone fleet are instrumental in enhancing the reliability and safety of its network in several key ways.
Identifying hard-to-spot faults
SA Power Networks said its “tool-of-trade” drones are increasingly used to pinpoint discrete or hard-to-see faults on its powerlines. For example, crews in the southeast experiencing repeat outages were able to quickly locate and fix a problem using drone technology that would have been nearly impossible to identify from the ground.
This targeted approach reduces the frequency of power interruptions for SA Power Networks’ customers.
SA Power Networks Operations Manager Fleurieu, Rhys Evans, said, “Our organisation’s drone program has been in place for several years, with the number of pilots growing and flight hours increasing across the business.”
Long-range nighttime inspections for proactive maintenance
SA Power Networks said it is the first utility in Australia authorised to conduct long-range nighttime drone operations.
Using drones equipped with thermal imaging, the utility’s teams can inspect powerlines at night to detect hot joints – areas where connections might be weak or failing. These hot spots are easier to identify at night when the ground is cooler.
This proactive approach allows SA Power Networks to address potential issues before they lead to power outages, minimising disruption for customers.
SA Power Networks Asset Management Officer, David Zemitis, said, “This latest accomplishment allows us to now better utilise our remote piloted aircraft (RPA) fleet’s capabilities to increase efficiencies and effectiveness of line inspections.”
Tackling tricky terrain with heavy-lift drones
The utility said its larger, heavy-lift drones are proving invaluable in situations with challenging terrain.
A Mount Barker team used one of the powerful drones to install new powerlines in Mylor in the Adelaide Hills. Faced with steep terrain and a dam, SA Power Networks said this innovative approach made the job significantly safer and faster, saving hours of operational time.
These drones can safely pull power lines across areas that are difficult or even inaccessible for crews to navigate on foot or with traditional equipment.
SA Power Networks has reported a range of benefits of its drone program, including:
- Improved safety – drones reduce the need for crews to access potentially hazardous terrain or customers’ properties for inspections and installations.
- Increased efficiency – drones can help the utility spot faults faster and streamline tasks like powerline stringing, leading to quicker response times and project completion.
- Reduced disruption – nighttime inspections minimise impact on customers’ daily lives, and efficient stringing reduces overall project timelines.
- Environmental responsibility – using drones in place of some traditional methods can lead to lower impact on rural properties such as farms and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
