AI-embedded drone grid defect inspector wins APEC smart grid award
APEC Energy Smart Communities Initiative (ESCI) awarded Power-hawk Inspector for their drone-based inspection system using embedded AI to identify power grid defects in real time.
Renewable energy monitoring.
The Power Hawk Inspector, a cutting-edge drone technology developed by Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), has been awarded the APEC Smart Grid Award at the 2023 APEC Energy Smart Communities Initiative (ESCI) Best Practices Awards Program. This innovative system is designed for the autonomous inspection of power transmission lines, integrating advanced AI and imaging technology to enhance precision and efficiency.
Key capabilities of the Power Hawk Inspector include its ability to detect faults such as broken strands, corrosion, and foreign objects on power lines. It is particularly effective in challenging environments, such as mountainous regions, where traditional inspection methods may be hazardous or inefficient. By automating the inspection process, the system significantly reduces the time and cost associated with maintaining power infrastructure. Specifically, it cuts inspection time by 90% and lowers costs by 50%, while also improving safety by removing the need for manual inspections in potentially dangerous settings.
The Power Hawk Inspector has been successfully deployed by Taiwan Power Company, where it has inspected over 6,000 kilometers of transmission lines. Its proven effectiveness has led to its adoption by other power companies within Taiwan, highlighting its potential to revolutionise power line maintenance.
This recognition by the APEC Smart Grid Award underscores the Power Hawk Inspector’s contribution to smart grid technology, offering a more efficient and safer method for power line inspections. Its deployment is set to enhance energy management and resilience across the Asia-Pacific region, aligning with broader goals of improving infrastructure reliability and sustainability.
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