ASOG Article of the Month | February 2023
Source | Derrick Brydges, Aerial Powerline Solutions Inc., derrick.brydges@hotmail.ca
Of all the different utility personnel and equipment hard at work across the global energy grid, helicopters and aircrew are probably near the top of the list of platforms and professionals that ensure electrical energy is delivered from the power station to your home safely. If you want to know more about how this is accomplished, Derrick Brydges shares his experiences and thoughts on this unique Aerial Work aviation sector.
My lineman career began with a Provincial Utility in Northern Ontario, Canada, during the mid-'70s involving Distribution and Transmission assets. In 1990 I was recruited to a Provincial TX crew in Southern Ontario whose focus was strictly supporting the 30,000 kilometers of High Voltage assets. My responsibility involved the yearly aerial visual/sensor patrols for this network. I accomplished this role for the next 24 years patrolling 30—40% of these assets per year, utilizing both helicopters and a ground vehicle to monitor the "no-fly zones."
During this career chapter, I was involved in developing this application to support the Utilities' proactive, preventive maintenance approach. This began with visual/ sensor patrols (writing structure numbers on note pads) and developing to sensor patrols (GPS orientation for asset location identification). Post-retirement involved assisting with the creation of a company Linewiseaerial (currently SAM Canada). While on projects, I would also be exposed to the utilization of UAS field applications which I'll touch on later.
Cost Effective
Throughout my years of utility experience, continuing program support from an Asset Management perspective is paramount, especially considering the cost savings regarding unplanned outage costs. An average repair can be performed at 25 % of the costs for a planned versus unplanned outage (excluding bottleneck generation losses). An appropriate approach to maximize aerial patrols requires preplanning, utilizing circuit history loadings (histograms) along with a defects history to assist with prioritizing a schedule. The utilization of Infrared and Corona sensors provides a strong tactic by detecting any electrical anomalies not visible to the naked eye. Insulators account for roughly 5 – 10 % of a structure's component costs but are generally the most significant factor in system outages.
Attention to Details
Other common anomalies are pressed conductor splices and mechanical connectors that can be adequately addressed, eliminating unplanned outages once identified. Vital to maximizing the effectiveness of these tools, a systems operator must be able to determine between a false positive and a verified anomaly. A combination of certification training, experience, and the understanding of a component's purpose, knowledge acquired from a line's persons background. Some detected anomalies may appear reportable, but the utility may not classify them as significant; hence, before the operation, a clear understanding of what is reportable and what is not should be discussed, along with classification ratings. This process will avoid requesting unnecessary outage applications and requiring a lineman to access a structure due to a false positive.
Another consideration before beginning a patrol is to review all the weather parameters which will affect the optimization of the sensor's performance to achieve maximum returns for specific task requirements. Nevertheless, which combination of sensors or techniques one utilizes, understanding the "art" of the application and one's experience is crucial to success.
Balancing Cost & Efficiencies
Aerial Transmission line patrols require a balance between costs and efficiencies, providing the customer with a thoughtful return on the investment. Several applications are available to provide a proper result per the customers' requirements, including the decision to utilize a UAS or Helicopter application. Public safety, costs, and daily expectations are prime considerations when making this decision. Each application will have its advantages/disadvantages. When utilizing a helicopter, one consideration is to not just to go out "and burn a hole in the sky."
When assessing a Transmission corridor utilizing either lidar, detailed inspections, visible patrols, Infrared, Corona, etc., the expected result is to provide detailed reports with on-time deliverables. These goals for any service provider must be front and center. Adopting this approach will develop techniques, applications, and discipline. An example is the "single pass "solution that LW developed during its inception in 2014. This approach is a joint IR/UV scan along the corridor, our standard approach. Supporting the success of these activities requires a dedicated/ skilled field support team member who will provide current quantitative/qualitative reports for the required timeframe.
Summary
Respectfully, various methods/ sensors are available (I have utilized several brands) for performing Aerial Power line sensor patrols. Regardless of the technique, the goal is to provide a skillful result. The client should also perform their due diligence by researching a service provider's history (references) and requesting proof of worker certification credentials. Success will ultimately reflect on the skillsets/ understanding of an experienced, qualified systems operator and the support team.
About the Author
Derrick began his career with Ontario Hydro (HydroOne) in 1976 as a lineman working on Transmission and Distribution in Northern Ontario. In 1990 he transferred to the Provincial Transmission Travelling Crew to become involved with the Aerial Patrols for the next 24 years. Derrick assisted with follow-up laboratory analysis throughout this period to determine the cause and effect intended for an identified component. The Ontario Hydro Research dept accomplished this work (now Kinectrics) and is referenced in the final published reports. In 2014 Derrick assisted with the creation of Linewiseaerial and, to this day, continues with developments and field activities.
Accomplishments:
- Trade Shows – manage Linewise booth at trade shows.
- Published white papers along with editorial magazine industry articles.
- Keynote speaker at industry events (INMR, EPPRI, CEATI, NADT IEEE)
- Co-author Inspection Program Guidelines, CEATI Report: T183700-3277
- Train & mentor other Linewise Inspectors
Comments
It is a great article, and I also had the chance to work with him for a short time, as he was working on our power lines, the reports followed by his knowledge, were amazing
Derrick Brydges Excellent...I really enjoyed reading your article.