Power station inspections in Hong Kong with the Elios
Power Station Inspections in Hong Kong with the Elios
Key Benefits at a Glance
Speed Inspecting high structures like turbine halls and exhaust pipes used to require days of scaffolding setup. With the lightweight Elios drone, CLP Power has reduced inspection time to just one or two days, without the need for scaffolding. This not only speeds up the process but also makes it more efficient overall. |
Cost Savings CLP Power now uses drones in-house for inspections, cutting down on costly scaffolding. The Elios allows them to collect LiDAR and visual data, or thermal imagery, all in one flight. This leads to significant cost savings—millions of dollars annually—and provides more comprehensive insights into power generation assets. |
Safety The use of drones eliminates the need for workers to perform inspections at height, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. By keeping teams on the ground, the overall safety of the operation is greatly improved. |
Access The Elios 3 gives CLP Power access to hard-to-reach areas such as boilers over 30 meters tall and underground facilities like silos and pipes. This level of access was previously difficult or even impossible with traditional methods. |
Founded in 1901, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited supplies reliable electricity to over 80% of Hong Kong’s population—around 7.4 million people. As a vertically integrated energy provider, the company handles everything from power generation to distribution and customer service. Ensuring the smooth operation of its power plants is a top priority, especially given the complexity and challenges of traditional manual inspections.
In 2016, CLP Power began exploring innovative technologies to improve its inspection processes. Since then, they have been using Elios drones to streamline indoor inspections, collect valuable data, and enhance operational efficiency. This shift has helped reduce the need for working at height and in confined spaces, making inspections safer and more effective.
Exploring Drones for Indoor Power Plant Inspections
Power stations are complex environments filled with large structures, high-rise equipment, and underground elements. CLP Power's Generation Engineering Department has always focused on finding advanced technologies that can help maintain these facilities safely and efficiently.
In 2018, CLP Power’s Director of Generation Engineering, Ng Ki-on, wanted to find a better way to inspect high-risk areas without relying on scaffolding. They were looking for an internal solution rather than outsourcing. After researching various options, they discovered the Elios drone through a conversation with Dronesurvey Asia.
Unlike traditional outdoor drones that rely on GPS, the Elios operates without it, making it ideal for indoor use. Its collision-tolerant design allows it to navigate tight and complex spaces safely. This made it perfect for inspecting critical components like boilers, turbine halls, and exhaust systems.
Building a Drone Program for Power Plant Inspections
When the Elios 2 was introduced, CLP Power quickly saw its potential. The team developed detailed workflows to integrate the drone into their regular inspection routines. The Elios 2’s ability to handle complex environments made it a game-changer, allowing engineers to conduct inspections in places that were once too dangerous or difficult to reach.
In 2022, CLP Power upgraded to the Elios 3, which offered even more capabilities. It allowed for simultaneous use of LiDAR and visual sensors, improving the quality and speed of data collection. This advancement helped the team make more informed decisions and streamline maintenance processes.
Ng Ki-on recalls, “At first, some thought we were looking for recreational drones. But the Elios proved otherwise. These are powerful tools that make inspections faster, safer, and more efficient.â€
Drones Have Become a Permanent Part of Power Plant Inspections
Today, the Elios drones are an essential part of CLP Power’s inspection process. They are used to inspect a wide range of assets, including:
- Boilers
- Indoor storage areas
- Pump pits
- General site inspections
For example, boiler inspections used to take days and required extensive scaffolding. Now, the Elios 3 can complete a full inspection in a single day. Similarly, pump pit inspections, which once required draining water and setting up scaffolding, can now be done quickly and safely with the drone.
By combining thermal imaging with visual data, the engineering team gathers richer information that helps identify issues early. This not only improves safety but also reduces downtime and maintenance costs.
What’s Next for Drone Technology in Power Plants?
Looking ahead, Ng Ki-on sees great potential for AI integration in data analysis. “With the amount of data we collect, AI could help us analyze it faster and more accurately,†he says. “This would be especially useful for teams dealing with large datasets.â€
Recently, CLP Power hosted a media event to showcase how drones like the Elios are transforming their operations. The event generated interest from local government agencies and organizations, highlighting the growing recognition of drone technology in industrial settings.
As CLP Power continues to push the boundaries of innovation, the future of power plant inspections looks brighter—and safer—than ever before.
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