The scope of the project comprises the creation of a first UAV prototype integrating two sensors and a live demonstration to show the benefits of this technology in terms of improved imaging and accuracy of diagnosis, reduced operational risk, process efficiency cost savings and health and safety improvements.

This project is divided in 8 stages:

Stage 1. Procurement stage (1 month)

Stage 2. Sensor testing (3 weeks)

Stage 3. Evaluation of drone upgrade (3 weeks)

Stage 4. De-energised field trial (2 weeks)

Stage 5. Energised field trial (2 weeks)

Stage 6. Evaluation of the information captured by the drone (4 weeks)

Stage 7. Project Report (4 weeks)

Stage 8: Project Dissemination Meeting (1 day)

Benefits

The success criteria for the project are:

• Successful sensors integration on UAV compatible hardware platform

   

• Identification of other innovative sensors to be integrated at a later stage

   

• Successful field trial: Capture high-quality images of components difficult to access and thermal images of live conductors

   

• Create an initial software package to be run on the drone platform which is open-source and can be developed further with academic collaboration on suitable automated analysis algorithms.

   

• Identification of issues when operating UAVs near high voltages lines. Identification of solutions

   

• Confidence for follow-on project, updated Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), specification for UAV service tender