Energy sector inspection drones: Can drones improve energy production?

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• August 29, 2022

Insight summary

Drones are redefining the maintenance and inspection processes in the energy sector, providing safer and more efficient ways to monitor and manage infrastructure. By facilitating rapid detection and response to damages and inefficiencies, these aerial devices enhance the reliability and longevity of energy assets. This technological shift is driving changes in workforce skills, industry investments, and regulatory landscapes, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and data-driven energy sector.

Energy sector inspection drones context

Drones are becoming increasingly common in the energy sector, gathering data and conducting inspections. For example, drones have inspected projects from bridges and windmills to solar farms. Drones may help identify damages or abnormalities quickly and effectively, preventing potential problems in energy production.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that unexpected global catastrophes can lead to a significant reduction in energy demand and may cause substantial changes in load profile, according to a report by Asian Development Bank. Maintaining a reliable power supply is essential for critical infrastructures like the healthcare sector, food industries, and supply chains. Due to physical contact restrictions implemented during the pandemic, it was difficult to maintain continuity of operations and maintenance. 

Solar panels, wind turbines, and other power-generating equipment may incur damage by weather events, accidents, or vandalism. Without regular inspection, it can be challenging to identify and fix any damage that may have occurred. Drones can also help streamline this process by flying over the equipment and collecting data that can create maps or 3D models of the site. The data collected from drones can assess damage and decide how best to proceed with repairs or preventive maintenance. Drones can also be used to monitor progress on construction projects or track oil and gas pipelines. The information collected from drones can help ensure that projects operate safely, efficiently, and get completed on time.

Disruptive impact

With over 70,800 wind turbines in the US and numbers rising, drones offer a safer, more efficient method for assessing turbine condition. This technology enables operators to swiftly identify and address issues such as damage or wear, enhancing the longevity and performance of turbines. The increased reliance on drones for inspections suggests a broader trend towards automation in renewable energy maintenance, potentially reducing downtime and increasing overall efficiency.

Similarly, the use of drones for solar farm inspection is transforming the way solar energy assets are managed. The collaboration between H3 Dynamics and Sitemark introduces an innovative robots-as-a-service model, combining drone technology with advanced analytics. This approach allows for comprehensive monitoring, including both visual and thermal analysis, facilitating early detection of issues such as panel inefficiencies or damages. As solar farms often cover vast areas, this technology not only increases the precision of inspections but also considerably reduces the time and labor required.

For large-scale operators, especially those overseeing extensive or remote renewable energy assets, drones are becoming an indispensable tool. They facilitate on-site maintenance tasks that have grown beyond human scale, ensuring thorough and frequent inspections without the constraints of traditional methods. By integrating drones into their operations, companies can better manage the maintenance of their assets, leading to improved system reliability and longevity. This trend also indicates a move towards more data-driven management strategies in the renewable energy sector.

Implications of energy sector inspection drones

Wider implications of energy sector inspection drones may include:

• Enhanced skill development in energy sector workforce for managing drones, involving specialized training in data analysis and autonomous device operation.
• Continuous drone surveillance of critical infrastructure, leading to more timely responses to natural disasters and infrastructure vulnerabilities.
• Accelerated investment in Internet of Things technologies within the energy sector, improving communication between drones and control centers for efficient issue resolution.
• Growth of related industries, such as telecommunications and sensor manufacturing, due to increased demand for drone components and support systems.
• Improved safety for energy sector workers, as drones undertake hazardous inspection tasks, reducing workplace accidents and health risks.
• Governments formulating policies and regulations for drone operations to ensure public safety and airspace management, shaping the framework for future drone usage in various sectors.
• Consumers experiencing more stable energy prices and supply due to efficient maintenance and quick issue resolution in energy infrastructure.
• Shifts in job roles within the energy sector, with a decline in manual inspection jobs but a rise in high-tech positions focused on drone operation and data management.
• Enhanced environmental monitoring, as drones provide detailed data on ecosystem impacts of energy infrastructure, aiding in sustainable management practices.

Questions to consider

• What are the potential benefits and risks of having drones inspect remote energy infrastructures?
• How else do you think drones can transform the inspection and monitoring of power production or more?