ComEd Is the First Midwest Utility to Receive FAA Approval to Use Drones
Unmanned Aircraft System will be used to inspect electrical delivery lines
ComEd announced that it has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to use unmanned aircraft system (UAS), or drone technology, to inspect its lines.
The UAS’s will be used on a trial basis to inspect and assess conditions of ComEd’s transmission and distribution lines as well as substations. Additionally, the technology may also be used following significant storms to assess damage. The project is a joint effort with Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). ComEd is the first utility in the Midwest to use this technology.
“This UAS technology will allow us to be more proactive in identifying problems before they interrupt power to our customers,” said Terence R. Donnelly, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of ComEd. “This will be especially useful in remote areas that can be difficult to access and will provide an added layer of safety for our workers by making it possible to inspect lines without sending a person into a hazardous area.”
The UAS’s will have a camera that can provide video and still photos and will fly above power lines and substations to provide an in-depth look at the condition of the system. In the future, ComEd hopes to have an infrared camera mounted as well to identify hot spots on the lines.
“We are continually looking to improve the reliability and improve our customers’ experience,” said Donnelly. “Right now, we use helicopters to inspect transmission lines. This initial test will help us evaluate potential benefits of using UAS technology to supplement this work.”
IIT will initially provide a licensed pilot for the partnership and is trialing a light, flexible cage around the UAS that may maximize battery usage and protect the UAS.
“It’s exciting to be working with ComEd to study robots in real-world conditions,” said Matthew Spenko, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at IIT. “From a research perspective, this will allow us to learn more about how robots perform in unstructured, outdoor environments.”
Looking forward, ComEd is also investigating the use of underground robots in its manholes. Manholes present significant risks to workers. ComEd is working with the National Energy Testing Research and Applications Center to design a remote-controlled underground robot that would have a camera and a design capable of navigating their complex underground spaces. The robot would be deployed ahead of workers going into high risk manholes initially, and used more routinely as the application of this technology advances.
“Mitigating hazards associated with working in manholes is a consistent theme in the industry and reducing the time employees spend in these spaces is a significant opportunity,” said Donnelly.
ComEd is acquiring UASs and completing the necessary training of its pilots. The utility is looking to launch the technology in the early summer. Consistent with FAA instructions provided with the approval to fly, and with ComEd’s long standing practices, ComEd will work closely with municipalities before flying UAS’s in their areas.
“The use of emerging technologies like UASs and other robotic technologies is an important factor in ensuring the continued resilience of the power grid,” noted Donnelly. “We are continuing to seek out technologies that will bring improved benefits to our customers.”
About Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois Institute of Technology, also known as Illinois Tech, is a private, technology-focused, research university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, science, architecture, business, design, human sciences, applied technology, and law. One of 22 institutions that comprise the Association of Independent Technological Universities (AITU), Illinois Tech offers exceptional preparation for professions that require technological sophistication, an innovative mindset, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Commonwealth Edison Company
Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive energy provider, with approximately 7.8 million customers. ComEd provides service to approximately 3.8 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. For more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
