Multi -Challenges and Benefits of Integrated Over-Head Line Inspections

by Artur Matos André¹, José Matos², João Gomes-Mota^3
1LABELEC SA (EDP group), ²EDP Distribuição (EDP group), ³Albatroz Engenharia SA

presented at CIRED09 - Session 20, paper 0848, Prague, Czech Republic, 8 ^th- 11^thJune 2009.

Summary

The long experience of LABELEC in airborne infrared (IR) and visual inspections of EDP Distribution overhead electric lines (OHL) is now enriched with the possibility of measuring and localising abnormal clearances between cables and trees or other obstacles. This was achieved using a Laser-Global Positioning System (GPS) solution that started being developed in LABELEC and later on was set ready for operation by Albatroz Engineering. Previously, some experimental track clearances measurements were carried out in distribution OHL, using high-quality but high cost
airborne-topography equipments. Now, the IR detected hotspots and visible anomalies information can be complemented with sufficiently accurate track clearances and its GPS information, using Albatroz system, with only a
small increase in operational costs. The three types of inspection can be performed with a single flight over the transmission or distribution lines, using a medium operational cost helicopter like the Eurocopter Colibri EC
120 B.

The near future may bring the integration of corona effect detection and visualisation into LABELEC multi-system OHL inspections, further contributing to a higher level of efficiency in lines maintenance activities.

Inspection helicopter taking off