UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) FOR PUBLIC POWER OPERATIONS AN OVERVIEW ON HOW DRONES ARE IMPACTING THE ENERGY INDUSTRY

ABOUT CHRISTOPHER TODD Founder and president of Airborne Response, Miamibased UAS services provider with pilots based throughout Florida and the U.S. FAA certified Remote Pilot and Emergency Manager Has personally flown UAS for regular line inspections, troubleshooting, rigging, and storm response (IRMA, MICHAEL). AUVSI Florida Peninsula Chapter, Miami Chapter Director and UAS Advisor to the Eig Watson School of Aviation at Miami Dade College.

DRONE, UAV, UAS Drone: a common terminology slang term originated from the type of sound the aerial vehicle s engines make. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV): Generally refers to larger size aerial platforms such as those used by the U.S. Military. Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS): the official designation by the FAA which has now been embraced for use by the unmanned systems industry and other professional aviation organizations. All these terms may be considered synonymous.

UAS CAPABILITIES Aerial Geo-Referenced Data Capture via on-board sensor(s) for marketing and communications or to detect potential failures in transmission, distribution, and substation systems. Visual RGB Imagery Themal/IR Sensing Corona Detection from dielectric breakdown of overhead equipment Transport Cargo provided it is securely attached and does not adversely affect the flight characteristics of the aircraft and combined weight is less than 55 lbs. Rigging lead lines across swamps, etc. Airlifting tools and supplies across caverns and rivers.

INSIDER SECRET #1 It s not about the UAS, it s about the combined subject matter expertise of flight and ground support teams.

FAA Part 107 Regulations All commercial UAS flight operations in U.S. airspace are governed by FAA Part 107. Each commercial UAS flight operation must be conducted under the supervision of a FAA certified Remote Pilot (in command, PIC). Under 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL). Cannot fly over people/crowds. Must give way to manned aircraft. Airspace and operational COA s and waivers are available.

UAS SERVICES MARKET SIZE THROUGH 2020 MN = Utilities MN = Clean Energy SOURCE: Goldman Sachs, Drones Reporting For Work

DRONES EVOLVING POWER OPERATIONS 1. Every size power company can now afford to operate aviation assets. 2. Contract services more efficient that in house for many operations. 3. Evolution will continue over the next decade.

DATA CAPTURE VS ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE Drones = Data Capture People/Computers = Data Analysis leading to actionable intelligence.

INSIDER SECRET #2 Be weary of budget priced drone networks and pilots promising bargain rates. You will get what you pay for.

TYPICAL UAS USE CASES 1. Marketing and Communications 2. Aerial Maintenance Inspections a. Generation b. Transmission c. Distribution 3. Hurricane/Storm Response a. Damage Assessment b. Documentation 4. Rigging 5. Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence

PUBLIC INFORMATION STORM RESPONE 1. How bad is Bad? setting proper restoration expectations. 2. The Calvary is coming! 3. Managing political concerns. 4. Showing actual service restoration.

INSIDER SECRET #3 The public does not believe it until they see it. You must show it to them.

TYPES OF ANOMALIES DETECTED VIA UAS Visual Detection Galvanic Corrosion Broken Jumpers Cracked Lugs Cracked Tops (concrete poles) Woodpecker Holes (wood poles) Insulator Flashovers and Chipped Insulators Missing Bells, Bolts, Washers, Nuts Hardware Serial Numbers/ID s Lightning Strikes, Faulty Arrestors Weld and Toe Cracks

TYPES OF ANOMALIES (VISUAL)

TYPES OF ANOMALIES (THERMAL) Thermal/IR Detection Hot (or Cold) Spots Significant Temperature Deviations; Visual and Numerical Power Generation Transmission Lines Substations Distribution Lines Overhead Equipment

TYPES OF ANOMALIES (CORONA) Corona Detection UAS allows vantage point unavailable from ground. Power generation and distribution systems. Sparking and arcing between electrodes generates UV emissions. UV emissions detectable via specialized corona camera systems. High voltage and overhead equipment installation audits. Condition check on all types of insulators for dry-band arcing, etc. Wooden pole audits to prevent fires and burn-outs. Identify location and levels of significant corona-related power losses.

TYPES OF ANOMALIES (CORONA)

INSIDER SECRET #4 You can t see everything from the ground. Aerial inspection via UAS can be more effective than traditional ground patrols.

AVAILABLE REPORTING Detailed Written narrative of survey Report form for every anomaly detected with geo-referenced imagery, temperature analysis, and infrared (and corona) data. Digital video file of inspection. Digital and/or hard copy versions of the report. Summary Written summary brief of survey. Summary report highlighting each detected anomaly, location, and recommended action. Imagery for any anomalies as requested by client.

IN HOUSE VS. CONTRACTORS IN-HOUSE PROS: Increased control CONS: Steep learning curve, capital investment, rapidly changing technology, disaster response, aviation is not your core competency CONTRACTORS PROS: Cost efficacy, experimentation, learn from vendors, low capital investment, scalable disaster response, no need to build an air force CONS: Less control

INSIDER SECRET #5 After a hurricane is not the best time to start looking for a UAS services firm to help you with response and recovery.

PROACTIVE EMERGENCY CONTRACTING Have an Emergency Contract for UAS Services in Place Activate only when needed; emergencies or storm strike. Less headaches and scrambling post landfall. Allows for pre-positioning of UAS flight teams before storms hit. Can also be applied to blue skies UAS services when needed.

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. UAS are rapidly evolving the power generation and distribution business. 2. Outsourcing UAS services is a logical first step prior to attempting to build your own aviation operation. 3. Drones and related technology will continue to evolve over the next decade, but now is the time to start learning. 4. Before of budget priced pilots. You will get what you pay for. It s hard to put a price on quality, safety, and reliability. 5. Have an emergency services contract in place before the start of hurricane season.

THANK YOU CHRISTOPHER TODD President +1 305 771 1120 ctodd@airborneresponse.com