Durban-based engineers Trevor Lorimer and Timothy Rowell have unveiled a prototype robot to inspect power line and support structures.
In the near future, we could rely on drones to sniff out power line interruptions or weaknesses in support structures that could contribute to a power outage.That’s thanks to the research of Durban-based engineers Trevor Lorimer and Timothy Rowell, who’ve developed a drone which is nearly ready for industrial use.
Lorimer and Rowell worked alongside Eskom and Technology Innovation Agency to produce the first prototype of the drone as part of a Master’s degree project.
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The drone, which is hoisted up a pylon by crane, can be attached to a power line by a linesman. From there, the drone can function as a vehicle and can sniff out interruptions or breakages on a power line, and can further climb past electrical towers.
Presently, Eskom inspects faults on power lines by helicopters or foot patrol; Lorimer outlined that, “in the longer term, robots will be able to remain on the line indefinitely, providing data on a more regular basis compared to current methods.“
Lorimer added that a such a drone could more effectively identify areas of damage.
Fin24 reports that both governments in the United Kingdom and New Zealand have expressed interest in the project, which could be applied to foreign electricity grids as well. Lorimer, in an interview with Fin24, stated that “œI‘m heading to the US in November to speak with utilities in California too ““ they have about the same amount of power lines in that state as there are in the whole of SA.”
The joint team is set to test the drone on South Africa’s power lines over the course of the next six months.
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What are your thoughts? Could a drone more effectively identify breakages or disruptions in a power line? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
Source: Fin24
