Grid operators have been inspecting their critical infrastructure using proven methods for years, but with a skill shortage in the industry, tightening of budgets and need to get more out of existing infrastructure, grid operators need to evaluate and adopt new strategies, technology and methodologies.
Limitations with current grid inspection methods
Traditional grid inspection methods can demand heavy machinery and a significant workforce on foot patrol or by helicopter. These inspection methods are established and work but are time consuming, manual, labour intensive, dangerous and can be subjective.
The majority of traditional inspection methods tend to be reactive with a find-and-fix approach and most methods are lacking digital documentation and automation within the process. On top of it, these methods are often just focused on capturing data for high priority defects and are prone to human bias and subjectiveness.
How can AI-assisted virtual inspections help grid operators?
AI-assisted virtual grid inspections can support grid operators in addressing some of these challenges and if done right can be an important inspection method in their toolbox. AI-assisted virtual inspections can support grid operators to:
1. Reduce cost and improve safety with less people out in the field, walking the line, climbing structures, or flying helicopters. Virtual inspections can minimize the risk of worker accidents by keeping people out of harm’s way as the asset data can be captured in a safe manner, distanced away from the physical structure using high quality camera technology.
2. Improve consistency and objectivity of inspections with a built-in inspection workflow.
3. Optimize efficiency and productivity of staff by focusing their activities on high value work and letting the AI do the manual and repetitive tasks such as component and defect detection, automating image to asset linking and asset inventory.
4. Potentially identify more defects as the data is collected in the field but the inspection is done remotely, the inspector has more time to view the structure from different perspectives and identify defects of varying priority.
5. Reduce the number of grid incidents and potential outages with higher precision of detecting defects and the ability to identify common vulnerabilities using the image-based digital asset.
6. Improve capital planning by using accurate, objective image-based inspection data that provides insights into the mechanical health of the grid and support your teams to make decisions based on risk of asset and not based on time.
7. Support knowledge retention by digitalizing information on assets and inspection data with an audit trail within inspection software.
8. Reduce OpEx by providing the visual data from virtual inspections (if structured correctly) to wider teams, enabling them to conduct more work from the desk than going out in the field.
9. Get more out of existing infrastructure, new grid infrastructure takes 5 to 15 years to plan, permit and complete. In the meantime, operators must deploy limited OpEX in a targeted way to maintain and inspect the existing grid. Utilities can use the inspection data from virtual inspections that is now digitized and more accurate to support their spending and inspection programs based on risk.
Ready to add visual inspections to your inspection program? Contact us today to start your journey.
Why not watch our webinar on virtual T&D inspections to:
- Learn what virtual inspections are.
- Discover how they fit into utilities’ current processes and how they can be scaled.
- Uncover virtual inspection pitfalls and benefits that can be achieved.
Repower produziert und verteilt Strom an mehr als 48’000 Kundinnen und Kunden in der Schweiz und hat sich mit eSmart Systems zusammengetan, um ihren Netzinspektionsprozess zu digitalisieren und zu automatisieren. Das Programm wird die Softwarelösung Grid Vision® von eSmart Systems nutzen, die den gesamten Inspektionsworkflow mit KI unterstützt und gleichzeitig digitalisiert.
- Umstellung der Netzinspektionen von Repower von manuell auf automatisiert mit KI.
- Die KI-gestützte Software von Grid Vision wird verwendet, um ihr Hoch- und Mittelspannungsnetz zu inspizieren.
- eSmart Systems wird im Rahmen der Partnerschaft Inspektionsdienstleistungen für die Freileitungen der Repower AG erbringen.
Diese Partnerschaft wird es Repower ermöglichen, sicherere, genauere und effizientere Inspektionen durchzuführen, die einen besseren Einblick in ihr Hoch- und Mittelspannungsnetz bieten, um ihre Asset-Management-Strategien für Netzstabilität und -zuverlässigkeit zu unterstützen. Damit wird Repower gewappnet sein, den wachsenden Ansprüchen an das Netz zu genügen und den Übergang zu einer kohlenstoffarmen Erzeugung zu unterstützen.
Die Energiewirtschaft steht vor besonderen Herausforderungen wie der Reduzierung von Risiken in der Stromversorgung und der Verbesserung von Netzplanungsprozessen, um nur einige zu nennen. Repower schätzt die Vorteile von Grid Vision, um nicht nur Effizienzgewinne in unseren täglichen Inspektionsprozessen zu erzielen und eine höhere Qualität zu erreichen, sondern auch, um tiefere Einblicke in unsere Assets zu erhalten. Dies unterstützt uns bei der Verwaltung von mittel- und langfristigen Wartungsplänen und unserer Investitionsstrategie.
eSmart Systems wird das Programm als Inspektionsdienstleistung anbieten. Hierbei werden Drohnen für die Bilderfassung mit automatisierten Flugmustern eingesetzt, um sicherzustellen, dass die Datenpräzision und -Konsistenz, sowie die Arbeitssicherheit gewährleistet und optimiert wird.
Die Inspektion der Repower Freileitung wird mittels der KI gestützten Software Grid Vision, durchgeführt. Die Inspektionsergebnisse werden innerhalb der Grid Vision aufbereitet und digitalisiert. eSmart Systems wird zusätzlich einen regionalen Drohnenbetreiber für die Bildaufnahme mittels automatisierter Flugmuster schulen.
Repower hat das klare Ziel, die Inspektion ihres Freileitungsnetzes und die Asset Daten zuoptimieren, um die Widerstandsfähigkeit ihres Netzes zu unterstützen. Wir freuen uns, Teil ihrer Reise zu sein, und freuen uns darauf, die Effizienz und Digitalisierung von kritischen Infrastruktur-Inspektionen für Repower zu steigern.
Über eSmart Systems
eSmart Systems ist ein führender Anbieter von KI-gestützten Lösungen für die Inspektion und Wartung kritischer Infrastrukturen. Mit unserer Softwarelösung Grid Vision revolutionieren wir die Art und Weise, wie Versorgungsunternehmen Übertragungs- und Verteilungsnetze betreiben und warten. eSmart Systems bietet einen datengesteuerten und zustandsbasierten Ansatz für Infrastrukturinspektionen, der von einer einzigen Plattform aus verwaltet werden kann. Wir unterstützen Unternehmen weltweit, indem wir für reduzierte Kosten, sicherere Inspektionen und eine längere Lebensdauer der Anlagen sorgen.
Über Repower
Repower ist ein international tätiges Energieversorgungsunternehmen mit operativem Hauptsitz in Poschiavo. (Graubünden, Schweiz). Repower ist seit mehr als 100 Jahren als Stromerzeugerin, Verteilnetzbetreiberin und Energiehändlerin tätig. Die wichtigsten Märkte sind die Schweiz und Italien.
Repower baut, betreibt und unterhält Verteilnetze, Unterwerke, Trafostationen, Verteilkabinen und Versorgungsleitungen bis zum Hausanschluss im Prättigau/Rheintal, im Engadin und in der Surselva. Die Gesamtlänge des von Repower verwalteten Netzes beträgt rund 3’000 Kilometer.
eSmart Systems, a global leader in AI-based solutions for inspection and maintenance of critical energy infrastructure, signs a contract with Alliander, to increase safety and optimize asset utilization within their existing energy network.
The contract, with a minimum value of 10 million euro, covers an Inspection as a Service (IaaS) solution for Alliander, one of the largest energy network distributors in The Netherlands.
The AI-supported service includes a full image-based digital inventory of all Alliander’s ~60.000 substations and cable cabinets, used to secure full regulatory compliance and safety to the public for all of their assets.
Die Energiewirtschaft steht vor besonderen Herausforderungen wie der Reduzierung von Risiken in der Stromversorgung und der Verbesserung von Netzplanungsprozessen, um nur einige zu nennen. Repower schätzt die Vorteile von Grid Vision, um nicht nur Effizienzgewinne in unseren täglichen Inspektionsprozessen zu erzielen und eine höhere Qualität zu erreichen, sondern auch, um tiefere Einblicke in unsere Assets zu erhalten. Dies unterstützt uns bei der Verwaltung von mittel- und langfristigen Wartungsplänen und unserer Investitionsstrategie.
eSmart Systems’ AI-supported software will enable Alliander to analyse technical conditions, predict and improve their asset management processes, including maintenance of its infrastructure assets over time. The solution provides Alliander with improved quality of their asset data of their distribution network, which will further unlock value in terms of capital spending, lowering carbon footprint, improving risk management including compliance with safe-to touch regulation.
eSmart Systems’ customer portfolio includes several of the world’s largest energy companies, such as Statnett, Naturgy, Xcel Energy and E.ON. With this new contract the company expects to both double its annual revenue and ramp up its global recruitment initiatives.
Repower hat das klare Ziel, die Inspektion ihres Freileitungsnetzes und die Asset Daten zuoptimieren, um die Widerstandsfähigkeit ihres Netzes zu unterstützen. Wir freuen uns, Teil ihrer Reise zu sein, und freuen uns darauf, die Effizienz und Digitalisierung von kritischen Infrastruktur-Inspektionen für Repower zu steigern.
About eSmart Systems
eSmart Systems is a leading provider of AI-powered solutions for the inspection and maintenance of critical infrastructure. We are headquartered in Halden, Norway and serve around 50+ utilities globally.
With our Grid Vision® portfolio, we provide Inspection Management and Asset Information Management solutions and services to utilities globally. Grid Vision provides a data-driven and condition-based approach to infrastructure inspections and support utilities to reduce inspection costs, improve inspection safety, improve the quality of asset data and prolong asset life.
About the Alliander Group
Alliander group is responsible for distributing gas and electricity to 3.2 million homes and businesses in the Netherlands. We operate 90.000km electricity grid and a 40.000km gas network across six regions including Amsterdam, Flevoland, Friesland, Gelderland, North Holland and South Holland.
We are committed to running a reliable energy supply to ensure that living, working and travelling remain viable in the future by developing sustainable grid technologies, innovative metering solutions and intelligent energy infrastructures. We take great pride in our networks being among the world’s most reliable. Our 7.000 colleagues make sure the lights are on, homes are heated, and businesses can keep operating.
A virtual inspection is an inspection that is carried out remotely away from the physical asset. Normally at a desk. The asset in this case is the power line, this includes the structure, components on and between the structures including the conductor cables. The virtual inspection is carried out by a subject matter expert who conducts a visual inspection of the assets. We have summarized the most common questions we get asked below.
Why would I consider changing my inspection methods?
Traditionally, grid inspections are conducted by engineers out in the field on foot, on a pair of skis, by helicopter or other means of transportation. To get close enough to be able to examine the assets, it is necessary to climb towers and get closer to critical equipment than most of us would be (and should be) comfortable with. Not only are these methods very dangerous and physically demanding for the brave individuals who work in the field, it is also time-consuming, subjective and inefficient for the grid operators.
What types of inspections can you do virtually?
A virtual inspection can be performed for routine and detailed inspections. It is a process change where you are removing the inspection from being conducted out in the field to being conducted from behind a desk.
What types of data are used in a virtual inspection?
In this type of inspection, the subject matter expert can use images from still photography but can also use video, 3D reconstructions, infrared, LIDAR and UV sensor data.
Which infrastructure can a virtual inspection be applied to?
For grid inspections a virtual inspection can be applied to High Voltage(HV), Medium Voltage(MV) and Low Voltage(LV) power lines.
How is the data captured for a virtual inspection?
There are various methods for collecting data for a virtual inspection and the technologies and methods are growing each day. Currently, image capture most typically is performed by unmanned aircraft (drones), but can also include helicopters, vehicles, and ground crew with mobile devices. The method is dependent on the utility’s strategy, budget, terrain of the grid and regulations.
How is the inspection conducted?
There are various methods that utilities globally are adopting. The method and tools you use are dependent on budget, strategy and your end goal. Below are examples of how different utilities are conducting virtual inspections:
- View the captured data on their PC, manually looking for any defects based on a defect catalogue.
- Building in-house customized solutions to support the viewing of images and identifying defects.
- Using out of the box inspection software ranging from basic platforms for viewing images to advance inspection software with built-in inspection workflow supported by AI.
Does a virtual inspection replace routine and detailed inspections?
No! A virtual inspection is another method in your inspection toolbox and does not replace all inspection methods due to various factors including:
- Perspective of the image taken may not show certain defect types on the structure.
- Certain inspections can only be done in-person, for example checking foundations of structures or checking for rot.
- Currently you cannot accurately measure from just an image. But there are new technologies being developed to enable this.
Questions you should be asking when transitioning to virtual inspections
We know how difficult it can be to know what questions to ask when speaking to a vendor or your in-house team when considering the transition to virtual inspections. So we have made a list of things that get missed:
- Have you got the right data capture methodology?
- Will the images you capture work for the software you are using and for the virtual inspector?
- Have you got the right virtual inspection software?
- How will you process all the images you capture?
- Can you utilize your inspection results beyond the inspection?
- What is your strategy for the visual data you are collecting in the field? If you are collecting and paying for it, you should be using it.
- How will you future proof your investment?
Final thoughts
If you apply a virtual inspection to just replace your routine inspection cycle that is a great start and will definitely improve your safety, and give you a great inspection report. You can repeat and rinse this method over and over but it is still based on time and you would be missing out on the bigger return on investment.
If you involve your wider asset management team from the beginning and focus on linking the program to your overall process and the flow of visual data, you will see a bigger return on the program. Doing it right can see you transition from time-based to risk-based inspections and key decision making. If you are investing in collecting data in the field, make it count and work for your business.
If you would like a discussion with our experts on AI or how it can be applied to your inspections, contact us today!
- This program aims to digitalize the inspection process and improve grid resiliency.
- 5-year framework agreement with eSmart Systems, Fugro and GeoAerospace.
- Grid Vision® software will support ESB’s digitalization journey through delivering a digital representation of their physical grid through image-based digital asset.
Through a UAV Inspection Services Framework Contract, ESB will be inspecting up to 10.000 structures over 5 years ranging between 38kV to 400kV, through a virtual inspection program partnering with Fugro, GeoAerospace and eSmart Systems. This program will automate and digitalize their current inspections and will provide ESB with a conditional assessment of their towers as well as general condition analysis of their grid.
We are excited to accelerate our digitalization journey and were impressed with eSmart Systems virtual inspection software. With Fugro, GeoAerospace and eSmartSystems, we will gain efficiency through an end-to-end virtual inspection program, saving us time and costs associated with field visits, as well as reducing our carbon footprint, and supporting our goal to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2040.
The framework managed by ESB Engineering and Major Projects will include Fugro as service provider and partners GeoAerospace will be flying drones to capture images of the infrastructure. eSmart Systems will conduct the virtual inspection supported by AI within their Grid Vision software. The program will create an image-based digital asset within the Grid Vision software that will represent ESB’s physical grid. This will support ESB to gain value beyond the inspection by providing their teams with a digital representation of their physical infrastructure at their desk unlocking new efficiency gains and in turn reducing reactive maintenance.
Die Energiewirtschaft steht vor besonderen Herausforderungen wie der Reduzierung von Risiken in der Stromversorgung und der Verbesserung von Netzplanungsprozessen, um nur einige zu nennen. Repower schätzt die Vorteile von Grid Vision, um nicht nur Effizienzgewinne in unseren täglichen Inspektionsprozessen zu erzielen und eine höhere Qualität zu erreichen, sondern auch, um tiefere Einblicke in unsere Assets zu erhalten. Dies unterstützt uns bei der Verwaltung von mittel- und langfristigen Wartungsplänen und unserer Investitionsstrategie.
About ESB
At ESB, we are licensed to build, operate, maintain and develop the electricity network in the Republic of Ireland. We are driven to make a difference by achieving zero carbon emissions by 2040.
We are committed to leading the transition to a reliable, affordable, net zero energy future. A future that protects our customers and the economy by maintaining the security and affordability of energy.
About Fugro
Fugro is the world’s leading Geo-data specialist, collecting and analysing comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it.
Through mapping, modelling and monitoring the built and natural environments we create a safe, liveable world.
About GeoAerospace
Founded in 2016, GeoAerospace is a university spin-out geospatial technology company comprising commercial pilots, drone operators, surveyors, geospatial scientists, platform developers and software engineers. With many of our staff originating from the National Centre for Geocomputation & Department of Computer Science at Maynooth University, we strive to be at the cutting edge of geospatial and remote sensing technologies.
About eSmart Systems
eSmart Systems is a leading provider of AI-powered services and solutions for the inspection and maintenance of critical energy infrastructure.
With our Grid Vision solutions we revolutionize how power utilities operate and maintain their generation plants, transmission and distribution networks.
Our solutions provide a data-driven and condition-based approach to infrastructure inspections and asset management decisions. We support utilities globally to reduce inspection costs, improve inspection safety, improve asset data and prolonged asset life. eSmart Systems has more than 20 years of international experience in establishing and operating knowledge-based, leading IT and energy-related companies targeting global markets.
Norske eSmart Systems, en global leder innen AI-baserte løsninger for inspeksjon og vedlikehold av samfunnskritisk infrastruktur, har signert en kontrakt med Alliander. Oppdraget har som formål å øke sikkerheten og optimalisere utnyttelsen av Allianders eksisterende strømnett i Nederland.
Kontrakten, som har en minimumsverdi på 120 millioner kroner, omfatter tjenester med tilhørende programvare for inspeksjon av distribusjonsnettet til Alliander, en av de største energileverandørene i Nederland.
Die Energiewirtschaft steht vor besonderen Herausforderungen wie der Reduzierung von Risiken in der Stromversorgung und der Verbesserung von Netzplanungsprozessen, um nur einige zu nennen. Repower schätzt die Vorteile von Grid Vision, um nicht nur Effizienzgewinne in unseren täglichen Inspektionsprozessen zu erzielen und eine höhere Qualität zu erreichen, sondern auch, um tiefere Einblicke in unsere Assets zu erhalten. Dies unterstützt uns bei der Verwaltung von mittel- und langfristigen Wartungsplänen und unserer Investitionsstrategie.
eSmart Systems skal levere en fullstendig, bildebasert, digital anleggsoversikt over Allianders nærmere 60.000 nettstasjoner og kabelskap. Det vil gjøre det mulig for selskapet å analysere tekniske forhold, forutsi og forbedre prosesser for forvaltning av strømnettet, inkludert vedlikehold, samtidig som det kan bidra til lavere kapitalutgifter og en reduksjon av karbonavtrykket.
– Vi er utrolig stolte av å få arbeide med et teknologidrevet foregangsselskap som Alliander. Gjennom dette samarbeidet får vi vist frem hvordan våre konkurransefortrinn innen AI-drevet programvare, teknologisk innovasjon og unike tjenestetilbud kan støtte avgjørende nettvekst, samt tilføre bærekraftig verdi til våre kunder, sier Henrik Bache.
eSmart Systems, som blant annet har Nysnø Climate Investments, Equinor Ventures og Kongsberg Gruppen inne på eiersiden, har fra før en kundeportefølje som omfatter flere av verdens største energiselskaper, deriblant Statnett, Naturgy, Xcel Energy og E.ON.
Med denne kontrakten forventer selskapet tilnærmet å doble sin omsetning i 2024, samt styrke organisasjonen på tvers av landegrenser.
Repower hat das klare Ziel, die Inspektion ihres Freileitungsnetzes und die Asset Daten zuoptimieren, um die Widerstandsfähigkeit ihres Netzes zu unterstützen. Wir freuen uns, Teil ihrer Reise zu sein, und freuen uns darauf, die Effizienz und Digitalisierung von kritischen Infrastruktur-Inspektionen für Repower zu steigern.
Om eSmart Systems
eSmart Systems er en ledende leverandør av AI-drevne løsninger for inspeksjon og vedlikehold av kritisk infrastruktur. Selskapet har hovedkontor i Halden i Norge og har mer enn 50 kunder globalt.
Med programvareløsningen Grid Vision® revolusjonerer selskapet hvordan strømleverandører driver og vedlikeholder sine nett. Grid Vision®er en digital plattform for virtuell inspeksjon av strømnettet på en langt mer effektiv måte enn historisk metodikk. Plattformen sikrer også datakvalitet og lagring av tilstandsvurderinger. eSmart Systems hjelper bedrifter over hele verden med å forbedre datakvalitet, redusere kostnader, forbedre sikkerhet gjennom sikrere inspeksjoner og bidra til lengre levetid for samfunnskritisk infrastruktur.
Om Alliander Group
Alliander-gruppen er ansvarlig for distribusjon av gass og elektrisitet til 3.2 millioner hjem og bedrifter i Nederland. Vi driver 90.000 km elektrisitetsnett og et 40.000 km gassnettverk i seks regioner, inkludert Amsterdam, Flevoland, Friesland, Gelderland, Nord-Holland og Sør-Holland. Vår forpliktelse er pålitelig energiforsyning for å sikre at det å bo, jobbe og reise forblir bærekraftig i fremtiden. Det gjør vi ved å utvikle bærekraftige teknologier, innovative måleløsninger og intelligent energiinfrastruktur. Vi er stolte av at nettverkene våre er blant verdens mest pålitelige. Våre 7.000 kolleger sørger for at lysene er på, hjemmene er oppvarmet, og at bedrifter kan fortsette sin virksomhet.
The era of collaboration rather than competition.
Historically, technology and machines, have impacted our way of life significantly ever since the first industrial revolution, when machines replaced human beings for the first time. Since then, every industrial revolution has seen significant change to the way we live, not without voices of concern, but ultimately leading to improved quality of life.
We are now part of the fifth industrial revolution, the focus until now has been on replacing human beings with technological advancements for efficiency gains. But times are changing.
The focus of the fifth industrial revolution is not replacing humans with machines, it is about maximizing the strengths of both. This is the era of synergy; human and machine in collaboration rather than competition, and a new type of teamwork has taken form.
What is Collaborative AI?
The term Collaborative AI realizes this teamwork, AI and humans work together, leveraging each parties’ strength to complete a task. We use the term Collaborative AI at eSmart Systems to describe how AI is utilized in our work flow of inspecting power lines for over 10 years, together with inspectors around the world.
Why would you use AI for grid inspections?
For inspectors, the helping hand of the AI means they can spend more time on high-value tasks that require their expertise and less time on time-consuming tasks like manual processing of thousands of images, which the AI can perform automatically and very quickly. AI also provides objectivity within inspections. The human inspector can get tired and miss things whereas the AI does not get tried.
For example, one inspector can process ~50.000 images per year. One inspection can contain as many as 100.000 images. With AI you can process a lot more images very quickly, with one of our customers for their 3-year inspection program the AI processed over 4.5 million images.
How is Collaborative AI applied to the inspection process?
In our approach the inspectors conduct the inspection of the line at a desk using Grid Vision® inspection software. The captured data is processed by AI and then an inspector is presented with defect recommendations found by the AI. The inspector validates or invalidates the AI’s suggestions to ensure accuracy and then grades the severity of the defect. Using this approach, the AI learns from the inspector’s feedback and becomes better as a function of time, while it is being trained on grid assets.
Why Collaborative AI?
Our Collaborative AI is purpose built by utility experts and trained on utility assets, creating the best starting point for electric utilities on their AI journey. When applying AI correctly to a virtual inspection program, it can increase the defect detection by 60% and shorten the inspection time by 2/3.
eSmart Systems has innovation at its core, as we strive to deliver the most value to our customers, we are continuously working to learn and improve our work. With the latest trends about Generative AI, we are currently researching the potential of incorporating this technology safely to complement ours, through partnerships with academia and Microsoft.
The role of the AI in virtual inspections is assisting the inspector with time consuming processing and defect detection, a collaboration that will bring value from day one. In line with the fifth industrial revolution, the AI is not there to replace the inspector, it is there to optimize the inspection while maximizing the value of technological advancements and human expertise, in synergy.
If you would like a discussion with our experts on AI or how it can be applied to your inspections, contact us today!
For more insights, listen to our podcast on AI misconceptions.
Schedule a demo at DISTRIBUTECH 2024 and witness the power of Grid Vision®
eSmart Systems is a leading provider of AI-powered solutions for the inspection and maintenance of critical infrastructure. Our Grid Vision solution provides a data-driven and condition-based approach to infrastructure inspections and asset management.
Discover how Grid Vision is revolutionizing infrastructure inspections for top energy providers at booth #3483 and catch our presentations with some of our utility customers.
Want a free expo ticket? Book a demo at the event and we will send you a free ticket by email.*
*Only available to utilities. First come, first serve.
At eSmart Systems, AI is in our DNA. We have been working on AI for infrastructure inspections for over 10 years. Drawing from our successful experience working with 50+ utilities globally, here are 6 things you should consider before starting your AI journey for infrastructure inspections.
- AI requires validation. You cannot escape this, when dealing with critical assets. The AI suggestions must be validated and this is how the AI learns.
- Training data is crucial. You need a lot of training data for AI to work successfully. Working with a vendor who has a lot of training data will give you a better starting position on your journey.
- Use a scaled approach. Apply AI to your most commonly occurring defects first.
- Focus on business value. AI can be a powerful tool to achieve a business-driven goal. Don’t get side-tracked by AI – focus on your business goal.
- AI supports Virtual Inspections and should be incorporated into the process and should not be considered in isolation. We have seen innovation projects just focused on measuring AI performance, but this does not tell you the full picture in terms of benefits gained.
- Beware of unrealistic promises. If you are being promised full automation from day 1, alarm bells should be ringing. AI is a journey and must be trained on your infrastructure. The key is working with a provider who is a subject matter expert.
If you would like a discussion with our experts on AI or how it can be applied to your inspections, contact us today!
For more insights, listen to our podcast on AI misconceptions.
We pioneered virtual inspections of energy utility assets over 10 years ago, and in that time, we have been asked a lot of questions. Here are some of the frequently asked questions that utilities seek answers to:
- We have high reliability on our grid, so why would I change my inspection method?
- We have been inspecting our assets with a proven method for a long time, why change it?
- I have heard that the AI is not ready yet, so why start implementing it now?
- Why do it now? We tried this a few years ago and it was more expensive than our traditional methods.
All valid questions, therefore we have put together ten reasons why a utility should add virtual inspections to their inspection program.
- Improve the safety of your inspections by having fewer people out in the field conducting inspections through foot patrol, climbing towers or inspecting by helicopter. Our approach is that we are hardware agnostic, so you can capture your assets out in the field via various methods and then conduct the actual inspection from your desk.
- Get a holistic and consistent view of your inspection results and remove subjectivity. One of our customers was outsourcing their asset inspections and getting inaccurate and inconsistent defect results. The customer also climbed towers that did not require climbing resulting in unnecessary costs and safety risks. With our built-in inspection workflow and multiuser experience, they now have a solution that yields results without incurring unnecessary expenses and risks.
- Identify more defects than traditional inspection methods. One of our customers identified 60% more defects with our virtual inspection program than when using foot patrols. Read our whitepaper which compares the effectiveness of foot patrols and virtual inspections here.
- Reduced inspection time. Inspecting the grid at a desk using our solution – Grid Vision®, allows the inspectors to quickly identify and confirm defect suggestions. One of our customers reduced inspection time per pole by 2/3 by deploying our virtual inspection approach and software.
- Reallocation of expensive resources. We all know that there is a skills shortage in the utility industry. With virtual inspections, you do not need to send experienced engineers into the field. You can capture the images and conduct a virtual inspection at your desk. The experienced engineer acting as a subject matter expert only needs to do the quality review using our software. This way your experienced engineers can focus on high-priority and high-value work.
- Improve your capital planning. Base your capital planning on accurate data and appropriate risk tolerances. We have supported two of our customers to move over $10 Million of inspection costs from O&M to capital by creating digital assets of their system.
- Use the data you are collecting. If you are sending out teams for inspections and collecting data let us ensure you only capture what is necessary and then maximize the usage. With over a decade of experience, we have a proven methodology for data collection to ensure that the captured data is not only suitable for a virtual inspection but for broader use beyond the inspection itself. If you are already spending your budget on collecting data then get it right the first time.
- An image tells a 1000 words. With our structured approach, we work with utility customers to collect the right number of images at the correct angle so they can be successfully utilized for a virtual inspection, as well as use cases beyond the inspection. In our approach, we link the images to the right asset, metadata, asset data, inspection data and grid topology and build your image-based digital asset that you can utilize across your organization.
- Reduce your environmental and O&M costs by conducting virtual inspections and eliminate verification visits by providing teams access to the image-based digital asset so they can conduct most of the work from their desk and only go out in the field when necessary. Working with one of our customers we estimated they could potentially save 150.000 tons of CO2 per year by adopting our approach across their grid.
- Reduce costs and drive efficiency across your organization by utilizing your image-based digital asset. Our customers are now using Grid Vision to identify common vulnerabilities, verify site access, optimize workforce management, capital planning and support regulatory reporting.
We have given 10 reasons to add virtual inspections to your asset inspection program and we have not even mentioned the value of AI.
Virtual inspections are another inspection method in your toolbox and complement your existing methods. With our approach you don’t replace your current inspection program but add virtual inspections, as certain inspections still require ground patrols like testing pole foundations and drilling for rot, etc. One of our customers has now incorporated virtual inspections as 50% of their inspection program.
So what are you waiting for? Contact us today for a free workshop where we can help you see how virtual inspections can support your operations.