Dave Kroetsch presented on using small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) for infrastructure inspection. He discussed the challenges of power line inspection using manned aircraft or climbing towers, and how sUAS can overcome these challenges by maintaining a safe standoff distance while still providing high-resolution imagery. Examples were given of using Aeryon Labs' SkyRanger sUAS equipped with an HDZoom30 camera to inspect power lines from hundreds of feet away. The sUAS solution allows for safer, more efficient inspections compared to traditional methods.
2. Overview
Aeryon Labs - Company Background
Challenges of Power Line Inspection
Benefits of UAS Technology
In-Field Examples
Aerial Inspection in Other Industries
3. Aeryon Labs builds
rugged, easy-to-use sUAS
for the
backpack of the soldier
trunk of the
power line inspector
and the
4. Aeryon Labs Inc.
• Founded in 2007, Aeryon Scout sUAS since 2009
• Aeryon SkyRanger sUAS introduced in 2013
• Aeryon HDZoom30 Payload - 2015
• Global Customers – Comm’l, Public Safety, Military
Archeology Dig in
Saskatchewan
Stellar Sea Lions
in Bering Sea
Libyan Rebels
Tripoli Advance
BP Oil Spill
Response
US Coast Guard
Fuel Delivery
Mapping Christ the
Redeemer Statue
5. Aeryon Philosophy
Anyone Can Fly
• Intuitive touchscreen navigation &
camera control
• Advanced automated features, fail-safes
• Minimal training
Fly Anywhere, Anytime
• Single user transport, deployment, operation
• Integrated payloads & industry solutions
• Reliable in high winds & extreme weather
conditions
7. Aeryon SkyRanger
• 50 minute flight time
• Wind Tolerance
o 40mph/65kmh sustained
o 55mph/90kmh gusts
• All-weather
o -22 to 122oF (-30 to 50oC)
• 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg)
8. Easy-to-use, minimal training
Simple system
status display
Single operator control
Pre-planned flight paths or ad-hoc
GPS camera
targeting
Touchscreen
map-based
navigation
Real-time
digital video
10. Challenges of Power line Inspection
• Remote and hard to reach structures
• High-value infrastructure
cost of failure is extraordinary
• Using manned aircraft or manual towers
inspection can be:
Expensive
Dangerous
Limited by ability to get close to structure
11. Challenges (cont’d)
• High electrical potential (kV) in power lines
Risk for proximate people/objects
Potential flashover
• Magnetic interference
• Obstacles
Towers & power lines
Increase risk during operations especially beyond
line of sight
12. Overcoming the Challenges
• The Hard Way - Close proximity
Multiple sensors – obstacle avoidance, etc
Very precise positioning – skilled pilots
High resolution, wide FOV imagery
• The Right Way
Maintain reasonable standoff distance
14. Solution Profile
• SkyRanger with HDZoom30
Safe standoff distance
Clear, precise, detailed imagery
Ease of use
• Class-leading endurance
On station longer
Capture more imagery
Operate further from launch
• Class-leading wind and environmental tolerance
High altitude
Operations are not constrained by wind/weather
29. Thank You
www.aeryon.com.
Aeryon Labs Inc.
575 Kumpf Drive
Waterloo ON N2V 1K3
Canada
Sales Inquires:
sales@aeryon.com
General Information:
info@aeryon.com
Head Office: 519-489-6726
Fax: 519-489-6726
x320 - sales
Notes de l'éditeur
Incredibly easy to learn – Libya example
Up to 10km range
Up to 50-minute flight time
Wind tolerance
40 mph (65 kph) sustained
55 mph (90 kph) gusts
Set up under 3 minutes (Homeland Security trial)
Minimal training
Auto-system check
Vertical launch/confined area
Payload stability
Payload options
Flight planning
Mapping
Portability