- The plan seeks to gather information for implementing preventive and corrective actions for the upcoming winter.
- Using state-of-the-art equipment, high-definition photographs, and videos are taken, as well as thermographs and 3D modeling of the networks with laser technology.
Santiago, December 17, 2024. Enel Distribución is committed to ensuring the safety and maintenance of its electrical infrastructure. As part of this effort, the company is conducting aerial inspections using advanced technology. The goal is to assess the condition of its medium- and low-voltage electrical distribution networks and collect detailed information that will help take preventive and corrective actions in preparation for the upcoming winter.
This maintenance action is performed using a helicopter outfitted with advanced technology. This technology enables the aircraft to identify specific areas of the network that need attention, allowing for the planning of preventive measures. These measures include tasks like clearing trees that could impact the distribution lines in the coming months.
"Thanks to this type of monitoring, it is possible to achieve high levels of efficiency and precision in the maintenance tasks of our electrical infrastructure, based on thermography and 3D modeling of the networks with laser technology. We hope that this action will contribute to preventing potential incidents, especially in the face of climatic events", explains Víctor Balbontín, Operations Manager of Enel Distribución.
In the company's concession area located in the Metropolitan Region, there are approximately 2,500 kilometers of networks. Inspections are conducted using helicopters and advanced drones, which enhance the efficiency and accuracy of maintaining the electrical network while minimizing environmental impact during data collection.
The company also collects information about the condition of the power grid by using advanced technologies, including RGB, thermographic, and LiDAR sensors. With the help of LiDAR, the company can identify tree species that may pose a threat to the power grid due to their height and proximity.
This aerial inspection plan consists of two phases. The first phase will take place during the first half of December and will involve inspecting 900 kilometers of the network. The second phase will review an additional approximately 1,600 kilometers and is scheduled to be completed in January 2025.
The operations involving helicopters and drones are conducted in full compliance with all regulations and authorizations mandated by the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC). Both helicopter and drone flights will always occur above the power lines, ensuring that the equipment used to scan the network does not capture images of private property.
Overflights are conducted from 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday. During this time, customers and users can find all the necessary information (communes, days) about the aircraft route at https://www.enel.cl/es/conoce-enel/plan-invierno/monitoreo-aereo-de-redes.html.