Integration, Flexibility and Real-Time: critical design criteria for the design of an over-head line inspection solution
by João Gomes Mota, Carlos Silva
presented at XII ERIAC, 12th Meeting of the Iberian-American Region of CIGRÉ (XII Encontro Região Ibero-Americana do CIGRÉ), May 20th – 24th, 2007, Foz do Iguaçu, Brasil.
Abstract
This paper describes the reasoning behind the design and implementation of an over-head line inspection solution founded on: integration of multiple inspection types, flexibility on hardware, procedures and data processing and real-time results that enable inspectors to analise and act upon relevant issues as they travel along the line. In addition, database adequacy and expansibility were also considered.
The proposed solution is based on the simultaneous use of video, thermography, laser and GPS sensors, among others, enabling inspectors to perform multiple inspections in one single pass along the lines. It combines the human experience of inspectros with software engineering and real-time signal processing; human and machines reinforce each other and humans can be assisted in number-crunching tasks.
The solution fits both transmission and distribution lines; it can be fit onto cars of from the air.The functions already completed are described for: digital recording system, user interface and automatic clearance detection.
The paper begins with a requirements justification discussion; in the second section the solution architecture is introduced; the main functions are described in the third section; then, field results are reported on the next section including the challenges found in the field and the modifications performed to minimise those issues; in the last section the project is evaluated and new lines of research for enhancing over-head line inspection are proposed.