This session will explore the future of drone technology in the energy and utility industries, focusing on cutting-edge advancements that are set to transform the sector. Participants will gain insights into the emerging applications of drones for solar energy, including inspection and maintenance of solar farms. The discussion will also cover the potential of “drone in a box” solutions for automated, on-demand operations, as well as the use of AI-driven swarming technology for large-scale infrastructure monitoring. Join us to discover how these innovations are shaping the next era of energy management and utility services.
The Missed Opportunities of UAS in Power Networks
The presentation will be focused around informing on the key use cases of UAS features in power networks, particularly around (but not limited to): Bushfire risk mitigation through proactive/ early detection Identify potential vegetation encroachment and mitigate to reduce outages Asset & network maintenance (pole condition, rust inspection, cable sag and lean analytics, etc.) Identify downed infrastructure and provide real-time situational awareness feed back to network operations HQ Tower and cable security checks These focus areas have been specifically selected given they are the most problematic areas within the industry that can be solved using UAS – and we will discuss ‘how’. They are all operations and issues which are being conducted now – and present significant opportunities for the drone industry to support and enhance. Having focused on the power and utilities industry, working with partners across AUS and USA, we will lean on Carbonix’s experience and share real-life case study examples of how UAS operations are substantially more beneficial to these companies. [info and figures can be provided upon request] The presentation will also relay the benefits of UAS especially in comparison to using manned aircraft for these operations, focusing on; safety, cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, etc. Not only will this presentation inform but it will also focus on the key aircraft components and features that best enable UAS to complete these operations. As Australia’s leading manufacturer of UAS’s we will share our knowledge and insights with the audience on what elements and features make these aircraft so suited for these operations (payload, VTOL, BVLOS, etc.). Again, reiterating that this will in no way be a product pitch but rather informative about the power utilities industry.
Philip van der Burg, Carbonix
Drones in Action: Digital Twins and the Future of Energy Efficiency
Drones are rapidly transforming industries across the globe, and their impact on the energy sector is particularly significant. This abstract explores the intersection of drone technology, digital twins, and energy efficiency, highlighting current realities and future frontiers. Firstly, we delve into the current applications of drones in the energy sector. These include infrastructure inspection, maintenance, and repair, particularly for wind turbines, power lines, and solar panels. Drones offer unique advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and safety compared to traditional methods. Secondly, we examine the concept of digital twins and their potential to revolutionize energy management. Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical assets, and by integrating drone-collected data, they can provide real-time insights into energy consumption and performance. This enables data-driven decision-making for optimizing energy usage and identifying inefficiencies. Furthermore, we explore the future frontiers of this synergy between drones and digital twins. Predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and automated optimization are just a few of the exciting possibilities on the horizon. These advancements can lead to significant improvements in energy efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable future. In conclusion, this abstract presents a compelling overview of how drones and digital twins are shaping the future of energy efficiency. By leveraging these technologies, we can unlock new levels of efficiency, optimize energy usage, and pave the way for a more sustainable energy landscape.
Steven Lucente, NV5
The Power of Drones + AI to Streamline Solar Maintenance
Large-scale solar farms and installations require regular maintenance and upkeep to maximize energy harvesting and optimize the solar panels’ lifespan. Typically, this maintenance is performed by humans who have to inspect and service each solar panel physically. With drones, this level of human capital is no longer necessary. A single drone operator can execute inspections more efficiently. Using customized AI software, drones can learn to recognize panel damage, weed growth, and other obstructions, and if panels are covered in dirt and dust requiring cleaning. Drone operators can also view the panels in real time and evaluate their status on the drone controller screen. Following a scouting mission, the drone can return to the operator to be filled with weed desiccant or preventer, or a cleaning solution. The ability of drones to fly over the panels reduces the need to access the entirety of the solar farm or panel installation on foot or with vehicles that can disturb the environment nearby. Additionally, drone spray applications require less water, energy, and other resources than other traditional application methods. This presentation will provide attendees with educational insights into the use cases and benefits of using drone and AI technologies in the solar industry. It will also touch on why using drones and drone software created outside of the US can be a security risk.
Kurt George, Hylio, Inc
