Krong Buk Power Transmission Team (Dak Lak Power Transmission) is one of three typical transmission units selected by Power Transmission Company 3 (PTC3) to pilot the application of power transmission line management software, including a solution to build automatic flight paths for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to inspect the transmission grid. Automatic flight paths for UAVs use 3D LiDAR technology in power grid management and operation. This is a method of creating highly accurate automatic flight paths for UAVs that support RTK (a measurement method used to increase the accuracy of GPS signals) by using a UAV with a LiDAR camera to build a 3D model of the line and create automatic flight paths for other UAVs on that 3D model. This method uses 4G/5G mobile signals, RTK station signals, and CORS (Global Navigation Satellite System).
Power Transmission Company No. 3 organizes training course on building automatic flight paths for unmanned aerial vehicles
To build an automatic flight path, the operator first uses a LiDAR camera installed on the drone to scan and build a 3D map of the line in the field, then uses specialized LiDAR data processing software (using a high-configuration computer) to draw automatic flight paths on the 3D model. Finally, data is extracted and fed to flight devices that support RTK signal connection to automatically check the power grid system.
In particular, with 3D automatic flightpath creation and LiDAR scanning, operators can create automatic flight paths at the operator's house; and flexibly change inspection flight paths without having to go to the scene. After setting up an automatic flight path, workers only need to go to the previously established flight point, and press the start button, the device will completely fly according to the established route to check the column, insulation, accessories, etc. conductors, lightning protection wires, fiber optic lightning protection wires, route corridor status. The device will detect unusual damage that may cause problems on the transmission grid, etc., and image data is synchronized on the "Line Management Software" system. “Unusual damages are identified using artificial intelligence, quickly detecting problems. In addition, 3D models help monitor corridors and automate the process of checking power transmission grids using UAVs," Mr. Dinh added.
Krong Buk Power Transmission Team workers apply Automatic Flightpath for drones in management and operation.
Because it operates based on cellular signals or RTK signals connected from CORS stations, automatic flight paths have the limitation that they cannot be applied to areas without 4G/5G mobile signal or RTK signal. Besides, setting up automatic flight paths also requires transmission workers to constantly learn and improve their skills to operate advanced technology and equipment and specialized software to be able to establish and build automatic flight paths using 3D models. However, during operation, risks such as equipment errors may be unavoidable, leading to the UAV colliding or falling, leading to damage. Therefore, this is also the high pressure on transmission soldiers when operating UAV devices.
Together with PTC3, Power Transmission Company No. 2 has also completed the construction of automatic flight paths for UAVs with more than 4,670 km of 220kV - 500kV lines managed by the company, equivalent to 97% of the line volume. The remaining part is because the paths pass through areas without RTK or mobile signals, so automatic flight-path technology cannot be applied.
According to EVNNPT, currently, power transmission units have been promoting the application of science and technology in production and business activities; including the application of automatic flight paths in the management and operation of power transmission lines, in order to improve labor productivity and reduce drudgery for workers. This is also one of the foundations for EVNNPT to accelerate its digital transformation roadmap, with the target of becoming a digitalized enterprise by 2025.