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How VZU Plzen Achieved an 80% Reduction in Penstock Inspection Time with the Elios 3

How VZU Plzen Achieved an 80% Reduction in Penstock Inspection Time with the Elios 3

Last updated on

18th March

In the realm of hydroelectric power, penstocks—large pipes channeling water to turbines—are critical components requiring regular inspections to ensure operational safety and efficiency. Traditional inspection methods often involve constructing custom scaffolding systems, which can be time-consuming, costly, and pose significant safety risks due to the confined spaces and heights involved. However, advancements in drone technology, exemplified by the Flyability Elios 3, are transforming these inspection

VZU Plzen, a specialised research and testing institute in the Czech Republic, faced the challenge of inspecting a 700-meter-long penstock. Historically, this task necessitated building a bespoke scaffolding trolley, a process taking 5-6 days for assembly, additional time for the actual inspection, and another 5 days for disassembly. This method not only extended the inspection duration but also introduced significant safety hazards, including the potential need for emergency rescues if the trolley became stuck.

Seeking a more efficient and safer alternative, VZU Plzeň deployed the Elios 3 drone for the inspection. This innovative approach reduced the total inspection time from the traditional 12 days to just 2 days—an impressive 84% reduction. The Elios 3 provided high-quality 4K video footage and generated detailed LiDAR point clouds, offering comprehensive data for assessment. Notably, four other companies had attempted to inspect this penstock but only VZU Plzeň, utilising the Elios 3, achieved the desired results.

The use of the Elios 3 eliminated the need for constructing and manoeuvring heavy scaffolding within confined spaces, thereby significantly enhancing inspector safety. Inspectors could operate the drone remotely, minimising exposure to hazardous conditions. The high-resolution data captured by the drone facilitated precise evaluations of the penstock’s condition, enabling informed maintenance decisions and contributing to the overall reliability of the hydroelectric facility.

This case underscores the transformative potential of drone technology in industrial inspections. By adopting advanced tools like the Elios 3, organisations can achieve substantial improvements in safety, efficiency, and data quality, marking a significant step forward in the maintenance of critical infrastructure.