Case Studies
Introduction
In substation inspections, drone technology has gained wide attention for its flexibility and efficiency. However, due to the complex environment, dense equipment layout, and high safety requirements of substations, drone-based inspections still face a series of challenges. To address these, it is essential for operators to conduct thorough surveys of both the internal equipment and surrounding environment. By using ground-based or UAV-mounted LiDAR systems to collect data, a 1:1 digital reconstruction of the substation can be achieved. This enables the creation of a high-precision 3D point cloud model, providing accurate data to support autonomous drone route planning, and facilitating fully automated, unmanned aerial inspections in substations.
Solution
LiDAR technology offers advantages such as high acquisition efficiency, wide data coverage, high precision, and ease of operation. By using LiDAR to collect high-resolution point cloud data of substations and building 3D models, operators can plan and generate inspection flight paths and waypoints that meet drone mission requirements.
Hardware Selection
Considering the actual conditions in substations, a combined approach using GreenValley International's LiBackpack backpack scanner, LiGrip handheld rotating LiDAR system, and LiAir UAV-mounted LiDAR system is recommended for point cloud data acquisition. For areas closer to the ground, backpack or handheld LiDAR systems are used. For higher or more difficult-to-access areas, multi-rotor UAVs equipped with LiDAR sensors can supplement data collection.
LiGrip H300
LiBackpack
LiAir X4
Software Selection
LiPowerline, developed by GreenValley International, is a dedicated LiDAR processing software tailored for power line and substation inspection scenarios. In transmission applications, it enables the fast and accurate extraction of potential hazard targets within power corridors. It also supports simulation-based warning analysis, project acceptance validation, and multi-temporal data comparison. In substation scenarios, it offers fine-tuned flight path planning capabilities for autonomous drone inspections, ensuring safe and stable power operation.
LiPowerline Software
Workflow
Substation inspection using LiDAR technology typically involves four key steps:
Workflow Overview
Point Cloud Acquisition
The acquisition process includes site survey, route planning, and scanning operations. As the quality of the LiDAR point cloud data directly impacts the accuracy of the 3D model and flight path planning, data collection must follow specific technical requirements to ensure data quality.
Substation LiDAR Point Cloud Acquisition
2. Point Cloud Processing
This step involves noise removal, correction, validation, and accuracy calibration of the LiDAR point cloud data to construct a high-precision 3D point cloud model of the substation.
Denoising
High-Precision Point Cloud Model
3. Flight Path Planning
The processed point cloud is imported into LiPowerline for drone flight route planning. This includes adding Part Points, generating flight paths, editing waypoints, and performing safety checks. The generated paths comply with inspection photography and safety standards, while also considering drone characteristics like flight ability and battery life. This results in a reliable and precise automated flight path for UAV inspection missions.
Add Part Points: Part Points indicate the target areas for image capture. Green dots in the interface represent these points.
Add Part Points
Generate Flight Paths: Four modes are available: Standard, Boundary-based, Strip-based, and Connect to Main Path.
Generate Flight Paths
Generate Flight Paths
Edit Waypoints: Adjust pitch, yaw, distance, and preview images as needed.
Edit Waypoints
Safety Checks: Conduct checks on obstacle clearance, distances between waypoints, and distance from ground or objects below.
Safety Check
4. Drone Inspection
After generating the flight path, it is uploaded and synchronized to an integrated intelligent dispatch platform. From there, work orders and autonomous flight routes are dispatched to fixed drone nests. Drones stationed in these nests automatically execute inspection tasks based on the assigned routes, and inspection results are uploaded in real time to the dispatch platform for review and defect identification by maintenance personnel.
Autonomous Drone Inspection
High-Resolution Inspection
High-Resolution Inspection
High-Resolution Inspection
High-Resolution Inspection
Solution Summary
By leveraging LiDAR technology to digitally reconstruct substations as high-precision point clouds, and using LiPowerline software for rapid autonomous route planning and safety analysis, this solution effectively addresses key challenges such as safe takeoff and landing, optimal image capture distance and focus, and safe flight path planning. It lays a solid foundation for automated, intelligent, efficient, and safe drone inspections in substations.