Drone inspection services
Improving safety and reliability on your network
Northpower’s Drone Services provide a comprehensive, cost-effective solution for asset installation, inspection and assessment, and data analysis.
We leverage advanced aerial technologies for superior insights. Having eyes in the air within seconds leads to faster results.
Combining our aerial services with ground-based acoustic inspection and other non-invasive tools, the Inspection Solutions team can provide proactive end-to-end condition assessment.
Our services include but are not limited to:
- Pole top photography – providing extensive and comprehensive visual and thermal data highlighting defects and component health above and beyond traditional inspection methods
- Pull-rope installation – a practical alternative to stringing with a helicopter, our drones can install assets with less disruption and cost-efficiencies.
- Conductor assessments – inspection utilising high-resolution cameras, from a viewpoint that provides unparalleled detail and accuracy.
- Structure assessments – evaluate the condition of transmission structures and identify faults that require attention.
- Reactive/storm response – equipped to be versatile and efficient, we can quickly deploy boots on the ground and propellers in the air to provide support in any situation.
- Slip monitoring and inspection – monitor and track the progression of subsidence and potential slips that may threaten network assets.
- Solar farm maintenance – using thermal imaging and aerial inspections, we identify underperforming panels, detect faults, and assess overall system efficiency.
- Substations/other infrastructure – perform detailed inspections, monitor equipment conditions, and detect anomalies. We ensure efficient, safe data capture reducing the need for personnel in hazardous areas.
- Data analysis post-processing – collected photos and data are analysed with state-of-the-art programmes and modeling software to identify solution pathways.
Key features
- Safety – our drone inspection services follow strict safety standards, and minimise customer disruptions; offering precise manoeuvrability and reduced environmental impacts.
- Capability – leveraging advanced imaging systems to capture high-resolution visual and thermal data; enabling detailed
assessments of infrastructure conditions. - Reliability – promoting informed decision-making, and proactive maintenance strategies, enhancing overall asset resilience and reliability.
- Analysis – our expert team conducts data-driven analysis – providing actionable recommendations and delivering meaningful insights.
- Benefits – SAIDI reductions resulting in operational savings, improved public safety, and minimised customer outages.
Increased accuracy and consistency
Capitalising on modern advancements with UAV technology, Northpower’s drones are equipped with RTK (Real Time Kinematics) technology; increasing accuracy and consistency, while also mitigating the effects of drift potentially caused by interference from high voltage lines and cell towers.
All data captured is georeferenced and timestamped allowing Northpower to identify the exact positions of assets, defects, or anomalies within the electrical infra-structure.
Producing reports that visually present this data in a coherent and accessible format empowers our customers to make informed decisions regarding maintenance planning based on the condition and location of assets/defects.
Contact us
Have any questions or would like to speak to a member of our team?
Get in touch with us via email and we’d love to chat about improving safety and reliability on your network.