EDP adopts state-of-the-art technology for grid services
The Group's distributors in Espírito Santo and São Paulo now have mobile inspection units, thermomeasurement devices, and direct connection to Operation Centers
On-site electrical system inspections are routine work for distributors in the company concession areas in Espírito Santo and São Paulo.
To ensure service quality and improve workers" safety in the field, the company - which is also engaged in energy generation, trading and services - has once again invested in innovation and acquired mobile units with state-of-the-art technology for technical grid analysis.
The vehicles, which are already operating in concession areas, allow the company to merge two previously distinct inspection types: structural inspections to identify damaged or low-quality equipment, and thermographic inspections to identify system overheating problems.
Field analysis automatically generates geotagged reports with corrective maintenance points, which are forwarded directly so that the technicians can carry out the work without interrupting customer supply. The purpose of the new acquisition is to boost inspection efficiency and thereby improve the quality of the electricity supplied to 3.3 million customers in the 98 municipalities served in both states.
"Mobile units will make it possible to streamline our processes, providing our staff with greater service agility and safety," says EDP Managing Director Marney Antunes. "Moreover, technicians will travel less, which will reduce the emission of vehicle pollutants, contributing to the improvement of air quality," Mr. Antunes points out.
Specifically created for EDP inspection activities, the vehicles are equipped with 18x optical zoom full HD cameras and state-of-the-art thermal imaging cameras. Both are connected to the on-board computer and controlled in real time.
Investment in fleets and equipment
In 2015 EDP invested more than R$9.5 million in the renewal of its operating vehicle fleet, which includes the acquisition of 55 cars, and R$3.3 million in the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, which is crucial for substation maintenance operations, power transformer inspections and other activities, thereby ensuring the continuity of power supply.
