Speed Many power plant structures, such as turbine halls, boilers, and exhaust systems, are extremely tall. Traditionally, setting up scaffolding for inspections took days. With the lightweight Elios drone, inspection teams can now complete these tasks in just one or two days without the need for scaffolding, significantly speeding up the process. Cost Savings CLP Power has developed an internal drone team that performs inspections using the Elios. By eliminating the need for scaffolding in high-risk areas, they save millions of dollars annually. Additionally, the drone collects LiDAR, visual, and thermal data in a single flight, enabling more comprehensive and efficient analysis of their power generation assets. Safety The use of drones removes the need for workers to perform inspections at height, reducing the risks associated with scaffolding and improving overall safety on site. Access The Elios 3 allows CLP Power to access hard-to-reach areas, including towering boilers over 30 meters high and underground or confined spaces like silos and pipes, making inspections more efficient and thorough. Founded in 1901, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited supplies electricity to over 80% of Hong Kong’s population—approximately 7.4 million people. The company operates a vertically integrated power supply business, covering generation, transmission, distribution, and customer services. Ensuring reliable power is central to its mission, but the complex environments of power stations pose significant challenges for traditional manual inspections. Since 2016, CLP Power's engineering teams have explored innovative technologies to improve inspection processes. They pioneered the use of drones, particularly the Elios series, to streamline indoor inspections and collect critical data. This approach not only enhances operational safety but also reduces the need for working at height and in confined spaces, keeping operations running smoothly. Power plants are filled with large, complex structures, from high-rise equipment to underground facilities. As a technical hub, CLP Power’s Generation Engineering Department focuses on applying cutting-edge technologies to ensure the reliability and maintenance of its power generation units. Ng Ki-on, Director of Generation Engineering at CLP Power, recalls that in 2018, his team sought alternatives to reduce reliance on scaffolding during inspections. Their goal was to find a more efficient, internally operated solution rather than depending on external service providers. While CLP Power had used drones for outdoor inspections since 2016, these relied on GPS, which limited their use indoors. Collisions could damage both the drone and sensitive equipment, prompting the need for a safer alternative. After discussions with Dronesurvey Asia, the team discovered the Elios drones, known for their stable, contact-free operation in tight spaces without GPS. This inspired them to use the drones for inspecting boilers, exhaust pipes, and other indoor assets. When the Elios 2 was introduced, Ki-on’s team saw its potential. They worked on developing workflows to integrate the drone into their inspection process. The Elios 2’s collision tolerance allowed confident operation in complex environments, from measuring stockpiles to inspecting boilers up to 30 meters high. In 2022, the Elios 3 was launched, and the team quickly adopted it for its ability to combine LiDAR and visual payloads for even more efficient inspections. The Elios 3 in action at a CLP Power site. Ki-on said, “Initially, some thought we were looking for recreational drones for industrial use. But with the Elios, we proved that drones are powerful tools, not toys, that help make inspections faster and safer.†With established workflows, CLP Power now uses Elios drones for inspections of: Previously, boiler inspections required scaffolding and took days, causing delays. Now, the Elios 3 can inspect both inside and outside within a day, allowing for quicker follow-up work. Similarly, pump pit inspections once required draining water and erecting scaffolding, but the Elios drone can now scan the area efficiently without any disruption. An Elios 2 drone in action inside a boiler. The team has used the Elios 2 for simultaneous thermal and visual inspections, while the Elios 3 collects visual and LiDAR data side by side. Overall, inspections are faster, safer, and generate higher-quality data. Ki-on sees great potential for future drone applications. “I believe AI will soon play a big role in analyzing the large volumes of data we collect. This will save time and help those who deal with vast datasets but lack efficient systems to manage them.†Recently, CLP Power hosted a media briefing showcasing the Elios drones and other tools used to enhance safety and productivity. The event generated interest from local government departments and organizations, highlighting the growing recognition of drone technology in daily operations. Learn more about the Elios 3 and its advanced LiDAR payload. All images in this article are credited to CLP Power. Oil Filter Machine,Belt Drum Oil Filter Machine,Oil Filter For Long Fryer,Oil Filter With Belt Zhucheng Lijie Food Machinery Co., Ltd. , https://www.lijiegroup.comPower Station Inspections in Hong Kong Using the Elios
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