Helicopters, Infrared Technology Used to Complete Proactive Inspections of High-Voltage Power Lines in Ohio Edison Service Territory

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy's Ohio Edison completed proactive aerial inspections of nearly 800 miles of 345-kV transmission lines using infrared and ultraviolet (IR/UV) technology to ensure reliable power delivery during winter. Conducted every four years with American Transmission Systems, these inspections identify hidden equipment issues, enhancing system reliability. Following inspections in mid-August to September, additional visual inspections of 4,000 miles of lower-voltage lines will continue. These efforts are crucial for preventing outages and ensuring customer service across Ohio's 34 counties.

Positive

• Proactive inspections using IR/UV technology enhance reliability and prevent outages.
• The inspections cover a significant 800 miles of high-voltage lines.
• Identifying and addressing issues early can lead to cost savings on repairs.

Negative

• None.

AKRON, Ohio, Oct. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- To keep power flowing safely and reliably through the upcoming winter months, proactive aerial inspections along nearly 800 miles of 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines were recently completed throughout Ohio Edison's service area using infrared and ultraviolet (IR/UV) technology.

Completed every four years in conjunction with American Transmission Systems Incorporated, a FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) transmission subsidiary, IR/UV patrols help prevent future power outages by detecting early-stage and often invisible equipment issues within transmission substations and on high-voltage power lines that cannot be observed during regular visual inspections. These comprehensive inspections complement annual aerial patrols that identify visible concerns, like overgrown trees, broken poles or birds nesting on electrical equipment.

"The transmission system is the first line of defense in preventing power outages because it supplies the electricity that flows into substations and along power lines to every single one of our customers," said Ed Shuttleworth, president of FirstEnergy's Ohio operations. "Think of the power system like a sprinkler. The garden hose that supplies water is a transmission line and the sprinkler is the substation. Each stream of water coming out of the sprinkler hits different parts of the lawn, just like individual power lines feed electricity to various neighborhoods."

An IR/UV inspection is performed at low-flying patrol speeds between 25 and 35 mph, using an infrared and ultraviolet camera mounted on the bottom of the helicopter. The onboard thermographer uses the camera to view the electrical equipment through infrared and ultraviolet spectrums to identify any sources of overheated components or voltage issues.

The infrared technology shows heat on a color scale, with brighter colors or "hot spots" indicating areas that could need repairs. The thermal images can identify equipment issues such as loose connections, corrosion and load imbalances, while ultraviolet technology detects electrical discharge along a power line caused by issues like rusted hardware and cracked insulators. The combination of both technologies is beneficial because it provides a wider range of detection. Any issues identified during the inspections are addressed to prevent service disruptions and costly repairs down the road.

"Helicopters provide a view of electrical equipment that we can't get from the ground, allowing inspection of miles of power lines in a single day," said Shuttleworth. "However, on-the-ground inspections are still necessary and underway to ensure our neighborhood power lines and equipment are ready to meet the high demand for electricity when customers crank up their heaters to stay comfortable this winter."

The IR/UV aerial inspections in Ohio Edison's territory began in mid-August and were completed in September. Visual aerial inspections also were completed along nearly 4,000 miles of 138-kV and 69-kV lines in 2021, with approximately 700 more miles of high-voltage lines to be inspected by the end of the year.

Ohio Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., serves more than one million customers across 34 Ohio counties. Follow Ohio Edison on Twitter @OhioEdison, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OhioEdison, and online at www.ohioedison.com.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter: @FirstEnergyCorp.

Editor's Note: Photos of Ohio Edison's aerial and IR/UV inspections are available for download on Flickr.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the aerial inspections completed by FirstEnergy's Ohio Edison?

The aerial inspections aim to detect early-stage equipment issues that could lead to power outages.

When were the aerial IR/UV inspections conducted in Ohio?

The aerial IR/UV inspections were conducted from mid-August to September 2021.

How many miles of transmission lines were inspected using IR/UV technology?

Nearly 800 miles of 345-kV transmission lines were inspected.

What technology was used for the inspections by Ohio Edison?

Infrared and ultraviolet (IR/UV) technology was used for the inspections.

How does the inspection process contribute to power reliability for FirstEnergy customers?

The inspections help prevent outages by identifying and addressing potential equipment failures before they escalate.