Automated Tunnel and Shaft inspections

Completed

Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution)

Applied Research and Development

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Computer Science and Informatics)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
UK Power Networks

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 October 2022

31 October 2023

ENA months

£250,000

Power

London

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, UK Power Networks

Project Contact, South Eastern Power Networks plc
Project Contact, UKPN London Power Networks plc

"A three phased approach is proposed: Desktop study to identify use cases; identify available technologies; and make recommendations to work with suppliers to support the research team carry out automated inspection demonstrator trials. Undertake trials. This may include use of lightweight automated vehicles with camera and sensor arrays, e.g. drones and tracked vehicles. Data analysis, interpretation of the data and peer review to confirm observations.Arup have carried out similar innovative automated tunnel data capture projects, with UAV and ROV suppliers for other asset owners including HS1 and CERN in other sectors." "The scope of the project will involve: Desktop study of existing data and records; Formulate specification to undertake the trials; Formulate Method statements and risk assessments to support site trials in tunnels; Carry out data interpretation and analysis report; Use data insights to identify opportunities for risk-based intervals for inspection and maintenance; Produce web-based dashboard for visualisation; Closedown report to provide recommendations and insight into adapting proposed and existing tunnel assets to better facilitate autonomous methods; and Dissemination of the output and knowledge sharing to other stakeholders and DNOs." "Objectives: To reduce the time and number of staff undertaking surveys in high risk environments; Undertake trials of remote survey techniques; and Enable condition degradation to be better understood and maintenance decisions made in a more targeted way. "

The Automated Tunnel and Shaft inspections project will develop a computer application that will compare images traditionally taken by specially trained tunnel entry authorised staff with images taken from remote surveys. These comparisons will generate automated reports allowing inspection and maintenance frequency periods to be optimised.

01/11/23