PG&E to fly LiDAR-equipped helicopters in wildfire prevention measure
In the battle against climate change-induced wildfires, fault detection is of utmost importance. But the hassle and time required for overhead inspection and maintenance is a barrier. This is why an announcement from PG&E for helicopter powerline inspections with LiDAR is of particular interest.
Through the end of October, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) crews will survey electrical equipment and nearby vegetation in 25 Northern and Central California US counties to spot and prevent potential wildfire risk.
Helicopters equipped with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors and high-resolution imagery technology will evaluate the powerlines and adjacent trees.
Additionally, the data will be used to inform machine learning Artificial Intelligence (AI) risk models to predict the potential risk of catastrophic wildfires from vegetation contacting electric lines.
“Our most important responsibility is the safety of our customers and our hometowns we are privileged to serve and that includes doing everything possible to mitigate wildfire threats,” stated Sumeet Singh, PG&E executive vice president and chief risk officer and interim chief safety officer.
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“The high-tech tools at our disposal, such as this remote sensing technology, enhance mapping data and produce the sharpest scans. That level of detail and accuracy provides essential information on the condition and location of our equipment relative to nearby vegetation.”
A surveyor in the helicopter will collect the data on PG&E’s powerlines, poles and surrounding trees and brush located along distribution circuits within or adjacent to extreme (Tier 3) and elevated (Tier 2) wildfire risk areas as defined by the California Public Utilities Commission High Fire-Threat District Map. This data is used to create a 3D simulation of the facilities.
“This visual representation of our facilities gives us an accurate and unique picture to determine if there are potential encroachments near our equipment which could require safety improvements or maintenance,” says Peter Kenny, PG&E senior vice president for vegetation management and system inspections. “Incorporating the data from these technologies will support the safe and reliable delivery of electricity to our hometowns.”
The helicopters will be flying low, along the powerlines, at an altitude of about 500 feet, but will remain no lower than 200 feet.
The powerline inspections are part of PG&E’s plans to evaluate transmission and distribution structures in extreme fire-threat areas, which include more than 390,000 distribution poles and nearly 39,000 transmission structures.
Aside from the helicopter initiative, PG&E has stated the use of various other methods to gather data, including patrols, physical testing of poles, ground, aerial, climbing, infrared and LiDAR.
