The inspection and maintenance of high and medium voltage grids are fundamental towards delivering quality service. Thanks to the incorporation of new technologies, it has been possible to improve our operation in Argentina efficiently: the Edesur distributor is using modern systems for checking the condition of the grids.
Fit for the 21st Century
For decades, the normal way of carrying out grid monitoring has been from the streets, a job requiring constant activity throughout the year. But technological progress has enabled the incorporation of another method. From an equipped helicopter, two specialists are in charge of verifying the operation of the distribution lines, thanks to photographic and thermographic survey equipment.
This monitoring system allows for significant reduction in the time required for grid inspection. During 2018, 1,560 kilometers of medium voltage lines and 311 kilometers of high voltage lines were checked. This was carried out in 4 weeks, where the over flights took between 4 and six hours daily.
This thermographic analysis was centered on Lomas de Zamora (80%) and Avellaneda-Quilmes (20%). This yielded data on the conditions of the grid which enabled us to work preventively in the solution of potential failures throughout 2018 and the beginning of 2019.
Beyond the human eye
The system of cameras incorporated into the helicopter form a large scanner that, along with photographic and thermographic inspections, uses LIDAR technology in the elaboration of 3D maps of the grids over the area covered.
LIDAR is a laser system measuring the distance between two points, operating with light and movement in order to make high resolution 3D maps.
With this updated technology, it is possible to obtain more accurate information on the condition of the grid, which enables the correction – as well as the prevention- of possible incidents or failures in distribution, in an efficient manner in relation to time and costs.