Boosting the Impressive Elios 2 Uptake by the Power Generation
Power generation is by far the largest industry that’s taken to indoor drone technology. The reasons are obvious, with multiple assets across the globe that are appropriate for ariel vehicle inspection. For Flyability, this represents the largest market for all sales of the Elios 2, with boilers and Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSCs) presenting an almost perfect geographical location for the technology.
Such assets require regular inspection for safe use. Until recently, this was carried out in the traditional manner – shutting them down, erecting scaffolding and carrying out the necessary tasks by human entry. With most insurance companies and legislation demanding this be done annually, this represents considerable cost.
A viable alternative that can reduce the time and expense has, quite naturally, been something that operators have been keen to explore. Even with the considerable effect that the pandemic had across the globe, sales of the Elios 2 to the power generation industry has remained on an upward trend.
Leads and sales have both continued to increase and Flyability are keen to further explore the massive potential of this powerhouse industry.
The Elios 2 Advantage
While the concept of an aerial inspection vehicle (AIV) is not that new, the Elios 2 in conjunction with Inspector 3.0 software offers something quite unique. Within the setting of power generation and the need for both indoor and outdoor highly accurate inspection data, it provides multiple advantages.
We can summarise these benefits as follows:
- Dramatically reducing the inspection time: There are many reasons this is easily done.
- Removes the need for human entry into or upon the asset
- Removes the need to erect scaffolding and/or the need for rope entry
- Removes the need for boilers to be cooled and depressurised
- Elios 2 requires little to no inspection preparation
All of this means that an inspection can be carried out in a matter of hours or minutes, as opposed to the days that it takes to be done in the traditional manner.
- Both interior and exterior inspections can be carried out on the same day: Again, reducing the number of days necessary for a full inspection.
- The data is of the highest quality: High lumen lighting, HD images, and 4K video ensures accurate visuals of even the smallest defects.
- Less manpower is required: As opposed to the multiple teams needed to carry out a traditional inspection, Elios 2 inspection can be carried out by a single operator.
- Returnable, accurate localisation: The Inspector 3 software maps the exact location of any damage or areas of concern, making it simple to return to the very same spot when a future inspection is carried out.
- Increased safety: No scaffolding, human entry, or rope access means far easier compliance to health and safety needs.
- Reduced CO2 emissions: Easier, more cost-effective inspection allows for an increased schedule. In turn, this improves output and reduces the CO2 emissions of a power generation plant. A study has shown that increasing the frequency of boiler inspections can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 649 metric tons per year
- Increased employee, shareholder and consumer confidence: All of the above dramatically reduce maintenance costs, improve output and asset productivity, show a company’s commitment to its staff and shareholders and have a wholly positive effect on its public image.
The feedback received from consumers is excellent. Customers love the speed of deployment, ease of use, accuracy of the returned data and extensive range. The Elios 2 can also be quickly brought into play in an emergency situation. Continuing on the safety theme, reduced costs make it far more viable to carry out inspections over and above those required by legislation. In turn, this reduces the likelihood of such incidents occurring in the first place.
This makes for easier maintenance planning, with teams being able to carry out both repairs and inspection flights in conjunction with each other.
The advantages of the advanced technology of Elios 2 and Inspector 3.0 software is tremendous. The power generation landscape has never been under as much pressure as it is today and the demand for steam boilers is growing exponentially.
However, Elios 2 is wholly versatile, meaning the tech offers considerable advantages for the inspection of other assets, such as chimneys and tanks.
The need for companies to take advantage of this new breed of inspection vehicles can’t be overstated. With the cost of power generation increasing at a rate that we’ve never before experienced, those who fail to move forward and embrace such innovation will be distinctly disadvantaged.
