Thermography of Transmission Lines

Recently, one of HAI's Certified Thermographers traveled to Ontario, Canada to assist with Thermography of Transmission lines. This work was done in conjunction with HydroOne in Ontario, which has specialized in power lines and electric power for nearly one hundred years. For over a decade they have done infrared studies on power lines to keep their lines in working order. In 2003, after visiting HAI in Gettysburg, they decided to purchase a gimbalized system, similar to that of the Helicopter Applicators system. (Viewable Thermovision Survey Fault Report)

With teamwork between the pilot and thermographer, transmission and distribution lines, as well as substations, can quickly and easily be patrolled aerially. With this process, the gimbalized unit can detect heat where bonding is loose or other hardware components are failing or weakening.

Remote areas, that are hard to access by vehicle or by foot, can be checked for weak areas, and be caught before line failure occurs. This method saves time and money for power companies. Miles of line can be covered by helicopter, producing a thermography report showing probable 'hot spots' signifying probable problems. Included with GPS data and digital pictures, the power company operators can make their own evaluation of the importance of repair, and send out a team of lineman to the exact tower, and therefore save man-power and energy in finding and fixing problems.