Restoring Utility Grids with Drones and iPads

After a major storm, utility companies struggle to restore power. Their efforts are usually hampered by inaccurate information about hot spots that need repairs. The situation is worsened by road blockages due to fallen trees and structural collapses along the way.

The Electric Power Research Institute has developed a solution, which would rely on drones for site specific information and iPads for logistics. “The technology has helped the military find the enemy around a corner or over the next hill. Applying it to a broken distribution system is “a no-brainer,” said Matthew Olearczyk, a senior program manager at the Electric Power Research Institute.”



Reference: Wald, Matthew L., In Blackouts, Drones and iPads May Come to Rescue, The New York Times, July 27, 2012
 

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