Overview & Events
Overview
While there are regulatory and technical limitations, commercial drone solutions are emerging for “drone-in-a-box“ or drone “Dock” systems. These typically combine a drone with a protective housing, embedded charging, wireless connectivity, and remote or automated flight command and control. Conceptionally, these systems promise hardware that utilities could deploy and leave in place. This may improve utility situational awareness in very remote, or high-priority environments.
While the potential applications are clear, there is little experience with these technologies, making it difficult for utilities to understand how to deploy this technology. This research aims to fill that knowledge and experience gap through controlled laboratory testing. In this project, EPRI intends to install and operate Docks at the EPRI Transmission and Distribution Laboratory in Lenox, MA.
Approach
This project will recreate testing scenarios for key substation and distribution applications. These should mimic how utilities may deploy drone docks for routine operations, emergency assessments, teleoperated remote missions, and even fully autonomous, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) missions.
The objectives of this project are to:
- Define the specifications for utility Drone Dock use cases
- Prioritize, acquire, and install Drone Dock technologies for testing
- Execute objective test plans to assess specific utility use cases
- Document the results, observations, and gaps
- Transfer the knowledge learned to collaborating utilities
The work will be performed in five tasks.
Task 1: Engage with utilities, technology service providers, and other industry groups to develop specifications and technology requirements for drone Dock utility applications.
Task 2: Scout, prioritize, acquire, and install hardware and software solutions that meet the functional specification.
Task 3: Perform general testing of Dock systems in the laboratory to understand performance in outdoor utility environments.
Task 4: Perform application-specific laboratory testing with representative utility applications (based on technical domain selection)
Task 5: Document the project results, and host periodic webcasts to update the members on the project status for each domain.
Motivation
The public and the utility industry may benefit from new utility inspection methods, such as Drone Docks. Industry trends promise more technologies, data, and insights. However, electrical utilities need confidence, not promises. Experience with these technologies in outdoor laboratories may identify unforeseen limitations, issues, or gaps. In addition, new opportunities may arise from discovery and incorrect assumptions. Collaborative research is a great way to keep pace and influence next-generation technologies. If utilities could adopt Drone Docks, they may be petter positioned to improve their situational awareness. More awareness may translate to fewer outages, faster response, and more efficient operations.
Engagement Opportunities
| Activity Name | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Webcast | Discussion of test plan | TBD |
| Webcast | Discussion of specification document | 26th October 2023 |
| In-Person Event | Digital Worker Conference | 10th - 12th October 2023 |
| Webcast | Drone Dock Interview | 20th June 2023 |
| Webcast | Project Start Meeting | 1st June 2023 |
| Webcast | Project Kick off meeting | 12th April 2023 |