Hydro Dam Inspection

 Shutdowns can be a lengthy and expensive endeavor. Implementing the use of RPAS within a dewatered hydro dam provided a safe, efficient and effective way to collect inspection data in places difficult to access for a person. The RPAS can access confined spaces but also areas that would require extensive scaffolding or ropework. The self illumination of the RPAS allow us to operate in pitch black environments, such as hydroelectric power tunnels.

We used the drone to identify:

  • cracks,

  • leaks,

  • broken hardware

  • general conditions of difficult to access places

Surge Tower inspection, eliminating the use of ropework.

RPAS inspecting vertical track for tailrace door.

Broken hardware identified in power tunnel.

Dam inspection was not limited to operations below ground. SuavAir utilized traditional drones to conduct visual inspections above ground of infrastructure such as the surge tower. the Pilot flew the drone around and within the surge tank, looking for cracks and other damage.