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Curious about how indoor drones are making waves in the power generation sector? Here’s a look into some of the ways these drones are transforming operations.
The primary application involves gathering visual data remotely during internal inspections. Below, we’ll explore several key use cases and real-world examples of how indoor drones are currently being deployed in this industry.
- **Key Applications**: Dive into the specific assets where drones are assisting inspectors.
- **Real-Life Examples**: Learn from case studies where drones have been successfully implemented.
### Key Use Cases for Indoor Drones in the Power Generation Sector
Indoor drones are proving invaluable across various power generation assets. Let’s break down some of the most common applications:
#### Coal-Fired Boilers
Inspecting the integrity of burners, refractory, and superheater piping inside the combustion chamber. Additionally, drones help detect clogs and assess wear and tear inside air pre-heaters.
#### Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG)
During planned outages in combined cycle plants, drones are used to evaluate the condition of supporting pins, burners, and lancers inside an HRSG.
#### Wind Turbines
Drones are employed to inspect turbine blades during scheduled downtimes and examine the interior of the tower and base while the turbine remains operational.
#### Pulp and Paper Mill Recovery Boiler
Visual assessments of refractory materials, burners, tubes, and pipes are conducted during both routine and emergency shutdowns.
#### Asset Commissioning
Prior to commissioning, drones ensure that all work by contractors meets specifications, particularly for large-scale projects like coal-fired boilers.
#### Nuclear Power Plants
In areas with high radiation exposure, drones provide crucial insights without endangering human operators.
#### Waste Incinerators
Regular checks of the combustion chamber, including refractory materials and other critical components, are made easier with drones.
#### Hydroelectric Plants
Drones are used to gather images of confined spaces such as surge tanks, penstocks, and flood gates to ensure structural integrity.
#### Transformers
Information about liquid levels or leaks at the tops of high-voltage transformers is collected using drones.
#### Chimneys/Smokestacks
General inspections are carried out to identify cracks or anomalies inside tall chimneys.
### Real-World Success Stories
Let’s take a closer look at some compelling case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of indoor drones in the power generation field.
#### Offshore Wind Turbine Blade Inspection
A major energy provider, Ørsted, discovered that using the Elios 2 drone allowed them to inspect 40% more of a wind turbine’s blades while cutting inspection times in half. This not only improved efficiency but also enhanced safety.
#### Scrubber Inspections
TVA utilized the Elios 2 to inspect a scrubber at one of its facilities. The drone drastically reduced inspection times by 98%, saving nearly 470 hours of labor.
#### Boiler Inspections
Pampa EnergÃa, Argentina’s leading independent energy firm, saved $420,000 during initial trials with the Elios 1 and later invested in the upgraded Elios 2 model.
#### Chimney Inspections
DTEK, headquartered in Ukraine, tested the Elios 2 for chimney inspections and discovered it could collect data faster than traditional methods while keeping staff safe from hazardous conditions.
These examples highlight the transformative potential of indoor drones in the power generation industry. By improving efficiency, reducing risks, and cutting costs, drones are becoming indispensable tools for modern power companies.
Would you like to delve deeper into any specific use case? Let us know!