Environmental impact

In addition to the standard environmental effects, i.e. pollution and
contamination, efficiency in use of natural resources and energy, Albatroz
Engineering analyzes its activities as part of a complex ecosystem that encompasses physical space, flora, fauna and people.

Foundations

All economic activity should be oriented in a manner that balances the necessities and wishes of clients, workers and investors

However, in addition to the economic impact on the people that interact directly with Albatroz Engineering, it is imperative to the consider the impact on the environment on a global scale since ecosystems that have no direct connection with Albatroz Engineering may be adversely affected. Accounting for environmental effects on such a broad scale in the analysis and design of customized solutions is a corner stone in the sustainability policy of Albatroz Engineering.

Application

One example of this approach to design and development is the manner in which the airborne line inspection solution was though out. The problem can be reduced to the following question:

What is the best way to inspect aerial power lines?

Solution 0 is to do nothing, i.e. do not inspect the aerial power lines and search for the fault locations only after they have occurred.

This is an unacceptable solution for both economic and environmental protection reasons.

Systematic preventive maintenance inspections are performed in order to eliminate the reactive nature of Solution 0.

Solution 1 is to inspect the lines on foot, relying on 1 or more technicians to transport the detection equipment.

This solution implies a substantial investment in human resources in order to effectively inspect every kilometre of electrical power lines using numerous inspection with limited inspection ranges.

On the other hand, the human scale of the inspections has a minimal effect on the ecosystem

These types of inspections are treacherous. Inspectors must be in good physical condition for there is risk of bodily harm when crossing forests, marshes and other natural obstacles. Some obstacles may pose too great a risk and different, most times longer routes must be taken.

Under specific conditions, this is most effective method of inspection and is still used today.

Solution 2 consists of inspecting power lines using an all terrain vehicle (ATV).

Solution 2 is the preferred solution in various countries around the world due to the small size of the electrical grid, inexperience with power line inspection or lack of funds to execute a large scale, extensive that can be depreciated over time.

A vehicle increases comfort during inspection and increases the range of each inspection. However there is a detrimental factor to the environment in the gas emissions from internal combustion engines.

The final solution considered, Solution 3, consists in performing inspections using airborne technologies.

Despite the elevated costs associated with performing airborne inspections, the speed and mobility inherent in airborne vehicles increase productivity dramatically. Conservatively, the extension of line inspected through aerial means compared to terrestrial means is increased by a minimum factor of 5 in the same time period.

Aerial inspections enhance detection capabilities which can result in higher service quality.

Aerial inspections call for specialized inspection equipment and procedures. Consequently, different types of inspections by several technicians have to be performed over several flights. This situation results in greater inspection costs and compatibility issues with different types of data and data storage.

Ecosystem impact consists of pollution from fossil fuel combustion and severe local noise pollution. However, these effects are quickly dissipated without permanently damaging the ecosystem. Clearly, long term effects on the global ecosystem due to gaseous combustion engine emissions has drawn significant attention and sparked a worldwide debate.

Upon analysis of the tables above, Albatroz Engineering and its associated partners have come to the conclusion that from an economic and environmental point of view, Solution 3 is the most appropriate solution in extensive electrical grids.

Solution 3 is the most competitive solution for electrical grids with an area greater than 2000 km as long as flight logistics do not inhibit the efficient use of an aircraft over such an area. In locations where aerial inspections are not possible (e.g. vicinity of airports) it is always possible to perform ground inspections as outlined in Solutions 0-2.

In order to maximize benefits and overcome the challenges of airborne inspections, an innovative solution was designed and proposed with the key characteristics: integration, consistency, real time, flexibility.

Furthermore, the proposed solution accelerates report generation turnaround and enriches the report contents with multimedia components.

Finally, there is one more challenge to overcome: how to increase the required inspection distance from the power line in order to reduce flight risks.