Who: E.ON, Microsoft Azure, eSmart Systems
E.ON, a major power supplier in Germany, is now leveraging drone technology and AI on Microsoft Azure to conduct inspections of power lines, enhancing the efficiency and safety of their maintenance process. Partnering with eSmart Systems, E.ON uses Grid Vision®, an AI-aided inspection tool, to evaluate drone-captured images of power poles and lines.
What: Drones and AI for power line inspections
In a shift from the traditional manual and labor-intensive method of power line inspections, E.ON now employs drones to take photos of the power lines and poles. The images are then uploaded to Microsoft Azure and fed into the Grid Vision® tool, which assesses them for any potential issues. This digital solution streamlines the inspection process, improving safety and operational efficiency.
Before: Traditional method of power line inspections
Before the integration of drone technology and AI, technicians carried out inspections every five years, involving physically taxing tasks such as walking along lines, climbing poles, and manually noting down defects. Helicopters were also used yearly to inspect larger sections of the grid. The defect identification process was subjective and made it difficult to make reliable predictions regarding the need for repairs.
The process: Incorporation of AI and drone technology
By using drones to capture images of power lines and poles, E.ON mitigates the risk associated with manual inspections. These images are then processed through various Azure services, such as Azure Logic Apps, Azure Functions, and Azure Event Hubs, and eventually imported to Grid Vision®. Here, AI technology is used to analyze the images for potential wear signs or significant damage, with an expert user confirming the AI findings.
After: Enhanced predictive maintenance and improved inspections
The implementation of this digital solution not only improved the quality of inspections but also provided a predictive approach to maintenance. Using AI-enabled image analysis, E.ON can identify defect patterns and predict potential future issues, facilitating a shift from periodic to predictive maintenance. The accuracy of these predictions is set to improve as more images are analyzed and the AI continues to learn.
Conclusion: E.ON elevates maintenance processes with AI and drone technology
By harnessing drone technology and AI on Microsoft Azure, E.ON is revolutionizing its power line maintenance processes. The quality of inspections is set to improve further as the AI continues to learn and more images are collected. This innovative solution ensures the reliable provision of electricity across Germany, preventing power failures and keeping the lights on.
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