Preventive analysis of aerial distribution networks with drones

The goal of this Master of Science thesis entitled Preventive Analysis of Aerial Distribution Networks with Drones developed at Enel s.p.a in the Enel Grids Global area, is to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of drones using lidar and thermographic technology in the inspection of medium voltage overhead electrical networks. The thesis is divided into seven chapters, the firsts of which introduce the role of the distribution system operator (DSO) within the electrical distribution system and the regulatory requirements that must be met, the structure of the network and the types of both maintenance and inspections. Thereafter, the planned inspection of overhead medium-voltage lines, the acquisition of data using lidar technology, photos and thermography and the subsequent creation of a digital model of the network with the identification of anomalies are described in detail. The leading role of the fourth chapter is the drone, the operation of which is described as well as the advantages it can bring to inspection activities. A structured approach has been adopted by Enel in order to introduce innovation on some specific network inspection activities and consists in the introduction of three drone use cases: short- and long-range operations and remote automated operations. The subject of this thesis is the long-range drone use case. Since to date long-range inspections are carried out using helicopters, the lasts chapters of this thesis as well as the main ones, aim to highlight the differences between this mode of inspection and drone inspection from technological, readiness and regulatory perspectives. With the long-term goal of a transition to increasingly drone-based activities while maintaining cost-effectiveness, a strategic analysis was performed to define a tender model that favors this aspect.