Finding the root cause of the problem by troubleshooting a problematic stretch of the grid

A large European power grid owner asked Skyqraft to troubleshoot a known problematic stretch of the grid to find the root cause of the issue, undetected by both helicopters or linemen on the ground.
01
Phase One

01.  The Challenge.

The situation before we came into the picture.

When your grid and equipment is constantly running, they will inevitably break down. When reports start coming in of  having intermittent blackouts and ground faults, step one is to troubleshoot the grid. Traditionally this has been done with helicopter inspections and ground patrols walking the grid with binoculars.

Skyqraft is regularly tasked by this major Nordic utility to troubleshoot known problematic stretches of the grid, finding the root cause of the problem that neither helicopters or linemen on the ground could detect.

02
Phase Two

02.  The Solution.

What did our software do?

1

Skyqraft's data collection partner captured high resolution close-up images and thermal imagery of the power lines, its components  and its immediate surroundings.

2

Skyqraft’s software then analyzed the dataset, automatically detecting and labeling dozens of power grid components using artificial intelligence.

3

Once the components were identified and marked out, a granular analysis of the  high quality close-up imagery of the grid was conducted, identifying vegetation related defects like branches over the wire, thermal issues or damaged equipment.

4

As Skyqraft analyzes thermal images at web scale, we are able to detect hotspots invisible to the human eye. To give a concrete example, on this particular mission, we found and reported a line separator that was 48 degrees celsius warmer than the surroundings.

03
Phase Three

03.  The Impact.

By troubleshooting the problematic stretch of the grid through granular and thorough inspection, Skyqraft was able to identify the root cause of the problem, and the client was able to rectify the issue. 

  • Improved grid uptime -  By finding the root cause of the issue, that neither helicopters or ground patrols were able to find, the grid  issue was fixed and the uptime restored. Skyqrafts software detects even the finest cracks on ceramic insulators by analyzing high resolution images.
  • Faster solution to the problem - By having a partner like Skyqraft that can analyze tens of thousands of close-up images in a very short period of time added notable value to this client. Minimizing grid downtime generates significant savings. 
  • Improved operational efficiency - By viewing the power line images at the office, using Skyqraft’s visualization tool, linemen were equipped with information which made the repair process more efficient (informing decisions on which repair equipment, tools and vehicles to bring to the site, and which access routes to take.  By having eyes on the grid from the office, linemen were able to plan their work more efficiently, saving maintenance costs, time spent and C02 emissions generated, by avoiding unnecessary site visits. 
  • Increased workplace safety and improved compliance with workplace regulations - by planning the maintenance work from their office using Skyqraft’s software, linemen and maintenance staff are equipped with grid intelligence that puts them out of harm’s way. Before arriving to the site, they will know exactly where the defects and hazards are - informing their maintenance approach.

In addition, by using Skyqraft’s drone partner for data collection (instead of traditional use of helicopters), the client was also able to achieve:

  • Sustainability benefits. Less Co2 emissions emitted.
  • Less noise pollution. Helicopters scaring cattle and horses (wreaking havoc and causing animal casualties) is a big  issue for grid owners. With drones, this is a non-issue.
  • Worker safety -  flying helicopters or walking the power line corridors pose a real safety risk to personnel. Using unmanned aerial vehicles for the overflight, and using Skyqraft’s software to view the grid images from the office provides a safe worker environment for all functions involved in the inspection process.

Reach out to learn about how Skyqraft can maximize asset uptime and reduce unplanned maintenance spend.

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Testimonial Image

Our partnership with Skyqraft provides us with state of the art AI and insights that really add value to the UAV technology that Vattenfall Services are investing in. Skyqraft’s solutions help us more rapidly collect data and analyze it in a structured way which has created new workstreams and a competitive advantage for us

Martin Björnvall

Business Development, Vattenfall
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With their knowledge of drone technology and AI, Skyqraft has helped us take a major step into digitization and sustainability. By using Skyqraft’s software, we save earth’s resources and safeguard the safely of our personnel.

Jimmy Lundberg

Power grid manager, Karlskoga Energi & Miljö 
Testimonial Image

Skyqraft has always been an innovative company. We started working with Skyqraft when they just launched. We have now been working with them for three years, and have seen how quickly their AI capabilities have developed, in terms of both detecting power line components and defects. Skyqraft’s solution will play an important part in enabling power grid inspections to be more safe, efficient and sustainable.

Per Sundqvist

Maintenance Management, E.ON Sweden

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