Powerlines serve an essential role in society. With powerlines, we can provide electricity to all parts of the world. However, with long stretches of powerlines running across the entire continent, the issue of maintenance becomes quite pressing. How can powerlines be adequately maintained? How is inspection feasible? Thankfully, new drone technology makes it easier than ever to perform regular checks. Keep reading to find out why drone powerline inspection is the best option.
Drones Provide Critical Safety Measures
One reason why a drone powerline inspection is such a great option is safety. Powerlines are tall and span great distances. Therefore, manual control and repair are inherently dangerous. Instead of sending workers up to inspect the lines visually, it is far safer to use drone technology. Drones reduce the risk to humans without compromising on the quality of the inspection. Drones are also more reliable than helicopters. Helicopters do not always have the best safety records, and this is especially true when pilots are trying to navigate at lower altitudes in the proximity of powerlines. While accidents are rare, they can happen. Worse, such accidents tend to be catastrophic. With drones, you are simply not putting any workers at risk.
Drones Offer Quick Access
Powerlines span vast distances, which is simply the way they work. While this provides essential electrical service to many people on demand, service options are far less easy to manage in a timely fashion. The logistics of powerline inspection are daunting. To cover that much ground would take a substantial amount of time in any other situation. Manual review is simply too slow. Even helicopters can be quite cumbersome as they try to navigate the route. Drones can get such work done in a fraction of the time, which is another reason why you should seriously consider a drone powerline inspection. When you get the inspection done in a timely fashion, you can make repairs and improvements sooner. In this manner, you can optimize your performance for the benefit of all parties involved
Drones Give You a Better Perspective
A proper inspection must also provide a good view of the powerlines, which is why some people may prefer manual checks over helicopter views. Helicopters are not going to be able to maneuver freely, which can limit your view of the lines. While manual reviews can get up close, it is harder to see widespread problems across the lines. In this manner, drones are the perfect alternative. With drones, you can get closer than you can with a helicopter, but you can still move quickly up and down the lines for a streamlined overview, which is a perfect balance. With this kind of perspective, you are sure to identify problems faster and with more accuracy.
Drones Collect Superior Data
Another exciting thing about drone technology is that it can be adapted and customized to your specific needs. Therefore, when you send a drone out to do powerline inspections, you are getting more than video imaging of your lines. You will be able to program the drone to follow a specific path and take a precise number of pictures. With this amount of imagery, you can get more data about the integrity of your powerlines. With this kind of data, you will be able to make better decisions about what repairs need completion. For the best results with your drone inspection, make sure you coordinate the drone technology with your analysis system. By syncing up the two systems, you will have better access to the critical data you need to make crucial decisions.
Drones Are Capable of Comprehensive Inspection
Drones can inspect your powerlines from end to end with minimal interruptions, which is not the case when you choose other inspection methods. Manual inspections must start and stop as the workday allows. Helicopters may not have ready access to all parts of the lines. Drones, however, can occupy unique airspace, which gives them unparalleled access. Getting a comprehensive view of your powerlines allows you to make better decisions and faster decisions. Therefore, consider investing in drone technology for your powerline inspections.