Sector: Power Grid
TRANSMISSION AND SUBSTATION DIGITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT SOLUTION FOR SSEN
Sector
Power GridRegion
EuropeAs part of our framework with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), Cyberhawk provides inspection and digital asset management solutions for the SSEN transmission overhead line and substation network in Scotland. In addition to our highly skilled pilots and detailed engineering knowledge, Cyberhawk was selected by SSEN because of our pioneering asset management software, iHawk. This began life in 2012 as a cloud-based visual asset management solution, focused on tranmission lines. Over the last six years, iHawk has been significantly developed to encompass additional functionality such as the generation and execution of maintenance work orders, assisting in the management of electricity, safety, quality and continuity regulations (ESQCR) and the asset management of substations. The software has also been further developed and can now be used with tablets in the field, as well as from a desk.


Provision of ruggedized tablet computers, with software for SSEN lines persons to complete the following: Ground or climbing condition inspections; ESQCR inspections; Repair and maintenance work orders;
The scope SSEN high-voltage transmission network (132kV – 400kV) includes more than 11,000 towers and 120 substation sites. Within SSEN, Cyberhawk’s services include: Detailed UAV tower inspections each year
CONVERTER STATION INSPECTIONS FOR SIEMENS
Sector
Power GridRegion
EuropeCyberhawk was tasked by Siemens, a leading offshore wind energy company, to carry out close visual inspections of three converter stations of transmission system operator TenneT, at the European Economic Zone in December 2016. Cyberhawk was chosen due to our previous experience in successfully inspecting offshore turbines and met masts as well as our visual asset management software, iHawk.


The alternatives, which include using rope access or elevated platforms, would not only have increased man hours on site but also involved working at height which would expose people to more danger. The harsh winter conditions also presented challenges for the pilot and are the reason we mobilize only our most highly trained personnel offshore.
Cyberhawk mobilised a two-man team to undertake the UAV inspections, completing the entire project in seven days which is less than half the time traditional methods would take.
QUARRY SURVEY IN SCOTLAND
Cyberhawk was recently commissioned by a major engineering consultancy to provide an aerial survey of an active Quarry situated in Fife, Scotland.
MULTIPLE SSE SUBSTATIONS
Sector
Power GridRegion
EuropeAs part of its framework agreement with SSE, Cyberhawk provided the electricity transmission and distribution operator with topographic survey data and high-resolution aerial photography from over 30 of its substations all over northern Scotland. The projects involved surveys of both new builds and extensions and have been ongoing since 2012.


Mainly multi-rotor UAVs were used to carry out the work and fixed-wing UAVs were also utilized on the larger sites. UAVs allow rapid mobilization and data capture, offering a unique view of the site which provides decision-makers with valuable, actionable data. The deliverables are accessed through Cyberhawk’s cloud-based asset management software, iHawk, which allows all personnel involved in the project to access to the data from any location – often reducing the need for site visits.
The workscopes typically require orthophotos, panoramics and spherical imagery, acquired on a three monthly basis, as well as aerial video and aerial oblique images at some sites. The locations, which range from one to 75 hectares, are often in remote areas and active construction sites.
OHL INSPECTION IN URBAN AREAS FOR UK ENERGY GIANT
Sector
Power GridRegion
EuropeIn March 2015, Cyberhawk was called upon to carry out close visual inspections of 40 distribution towers for a UK energy giant in its southern region south of England. Cyberhawk was one of the first companies to be granted approval to fly in congested areas by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and under CAOSC, we are able to fly our UAVs in crowded areas to within 10m of vehicles, structures and people not under our control.


Very few drone operators would have been able to complete this operation due to the towers being within 50m of major roads, meaning Congested Areas Operating Safety Case (CAOSC) procedures applied. Traditionally, this inspection and maintenance activity would have been carried out by a full-size helicopter and linesman team, however, this was not viable due to the tower's proximity to a major road.
The necessary permissions had to be secured from each individual landowner before Cyberhawk could undertake this CAOSC scope of work..
OHL TOWER INSPECTIONS IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Sector
Power GridRegion
EuropeCyberhawk was also required to assess the condition of each structural member on the 275kV line in accordance with the National Grid Technical Specification for steelwork inspection on a bar by bar basis.


Cyberhawk’s asset management software, iHawk, allowed the client to view the tower components in accordance with the agreed defect standard, and access all the high definition images of each defect as well as detailed engineering commentary.