Few nations are as cognisant of the vulnerable power grid as South Africa but, as much as South Africans know about the woes of loadshedding, what they may not know is how drones are already being used to help with electricity already in some parts of the world.
Drone manufacturer DJI has an entire initiative around the use of its drones working to manage, protect and maintain power grids in ways you may have never imagined.
Many may have already guessed that drones make for the perfect observation tool to keep an eye on electrical infrastructure, but they may not consider the depths of this application. From night time inspection which is sometimes too difficult or too dangerous for humans, to thermal inspection and the sheer efficiency of drones compared to other options, there are countless reasons to incorporate drones into the inspection process.
One amazing application is vegetation management, where the growth of plants needs to be watched and maintained to prevent adversely affecting power infrastructure. Drones can simply fly through even complex terrains and create 3D models of vegetation in tight deadlines to closely and consistently monitor growth.
This use of drones is also extended to greener energy generation where the devices also assist with solar farms and wind turbines. In the future, should South Africa have a greater option of these power options, DJI drones can help once again.
For something more off the wall we have to mention the use of DJI drones with flamethrowers attached to them. Yes, really. In a rather low key article simply entitled “Special Operations“, DJI shows how one of its drones fitted with a third party flamethrower can be used to quickly burn away dangerous debris which is sitting on power lines, clearing the debris and leaving the lines untouched.
With no need to power the lines down, no risk to the public or workers, and a completely hands-off approach to a traditionally dangerous situation, this is likely the most theatrical – but also telling – show of new thinking using drones to tackle old problems.
DJI Matrice 300 RTK
One DJI product that is the star of the show when it comes to many industrial applications like the ones mentioned above, is the DJI Matrice 300 RTK, a drone purpose-built for serious work, harsh environments and challenging projects.
DJI has positioned the Matrice 300 RTK as the new standard when it comes to commercial use, a title it has earned when you consider that the Matrice 300 RTK isn’t just a drone, but a commercial platform for businesses and governments to build solutions on.
Customers can look forward to multiple payload configurations with up to three mounted simultaneously. With this customisation, and a maximum payload capacity of 2.7 kilograms, it’s really up to your imagination what you can attach here. Talk to any engineer and they will tell you that a lot of their job is problem solving, and with the DJI Matrice 300 RTK offering so many ways to solve problems with its payloads, everyone’s job gets easier.
For some important numbers around the Matrice 300 RTK, consider the 15 kilometre transmission range, the 55 minute max flight time, hot-swappable batteries and operating temperature ranges from negative 20 degrees Celsius all the way up to 50 degrees Celsius.
Other features include several observational technologies such as Live Mission Recording, which is especially helpful for automated inspections. This is helped by AI Spot-Check, which detects items of interest during inspection.
The DJI Matrice 300 RTK is available in South Africa right now with bundles available to get you up and running as soon as possible with a single purchase. To get one for your business as well as training for your employees, contact one of the following local companies:
- Hennie’s Drone Repair and Training orders@hdrt.co.za
- TeleEye jacques@GoUAV.co.za
- Africa Drone Kings vice@africadronekings.co.za
