TenneT trials helicopter inspections of high-voltage overheads

TenneT has conducted an inspection of six high-voltage connections in Drenthe, Groningen, and Overijssel in the Netherlands, using a helicopter equipped with specialised cameras and sensors.

According to the Dutch-German TSO, this marked the first time TenneT has used a helicopter for such purposes, with Siemens Energy carrying out the operation.

The helicopter flew along both sides of the high-voltage connections at a speed of 25km per hour and maintained an altitude ranging from 40 to 50 meters.

The data gathered during the survey will provide improved insight into the above-ground portion of the electricity grid and facilitate more efficient management and maintenance of high-voltage connections, ensuring their optimal and safe condition.

If the method proves successful, there are plans to extend the survey to cover all high-voltage connections throughout the Netherlands.

A new approach

Traditionally, states TenneT, gathering information about the high-voltage grid and its surroundings involved manual measurements, a process known for its time-consuming and costly nature.

The new helicopter-based approach reduces the need for extensive measurements and enables technical personnel to be allocated to other projects.

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The data generated by the helicopter flight is processed and stored in a specialised management environment. This enables quicker communication with local residents and landowners near high-voltage connections regarding potential activities and construction possibilities.

Besides the connections, the immediate surroundings of the connections are also analysed. Based on the data, an effective management plan for vegetation, for example, can also be created.

States Linda can Ommen, lead asset environment manager of GFO-N-RE bij TenneT, “[It] helps us gain a clear view of the maximum load on our high-voltage grid. This enables us to advise on the safety of the surrounding area faster. At the same time, this digitalisation is creating opportunities for us to make our internal processes more efficient.

“So if we receive an application for the construction of a shed, we can advise right away how high it can be built without the risk of arcing.

“This project also contributes to preventing grid overload. That’s because the data lets us monitor a conductor’s maximum load so that we can calculate whether the link can transport more power or we have to build a new link.”