MITNETZ STROM

"We are impressed with the obtained results. Considering the limited number of images and the limited time spent, the overall accuracy of the detection algorithms was very good. The Grid Vision™ software is ready to be implemented into Operations.”

– Jens Hache, Project Manager, Mitnetz Strom

In a nutshell​

eSmart Systems and Mitnetz tested the efficiency of fully autonomous inspections, associating autonomous drones and AI-enabled image recognition.

About the customer

Mitnetz Strom manages a grid area of 30,804 km² and supplies almost 2.3 million customers with electrical energy. The Distribution System Operator maintains around 3,000 kilometers of a high-voltage network in parts of Brandenburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.
Its systems ensure that households, companies, and municipal partners are supplied with the energy they need: reliable, economical and environmentally friendly.

The challenge

Twice a year, Mitnetz Strom inspects its high-voltage overhead lines. They use helicopters to detect defects on lines and poles. As soon as defects and faults are spotted, repairs or measures follow. In this way, Mitnetz Strom ensures a stable and reliable power supply. 

Seizing the opportunity of an innovation program, Mitnetz Strom wanted to test the possibility of a fully autonomous inspection, associating autonomous drones, and AI-enabled image recognition. After the flight, the drone's recordings were uploaded into the eSmart Systems software Grid Vision and analyzed with the software’s high-voltage Artificial Intelligence pipeline of algorithms.

 

 

Our solution

Grid Vision™ turns inspection data into asset insight by applying our eSmart Systems AI services to images collected from the air and the ground. The data was uploaded utilizing our API, then analyzed using our high-voltage Artificial Intelligence pipeline. 

 

 

The results were visualized on our user-friendly interface. The AI algorithms were trained to recognize the specific components and defects to match Mitnetz specific needs and improve the business value accordingly. The training on Mitnetz specific data increased the detection accuracy and culminated in satisfying results.

 Impact

 

 

The use of Grid Vision™ resulted in a drastic reduction in time spent reviewing inspection data, and in a better detection accuracy. For Mitnetz, this represents a huge opportunity to rapidly improve inspection processes and reduce costs. 

In the future, Mitnetz wants to establish the automated use of drones in addition to the use of helicopters. This way, the inspections of power lines can be automated, objective, and efficient. The data will be processed with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
In the event of possible incidents, especially in rough terrain, potential damage points could be identified more quickly. This will help Mitnetz prioritize its efforts and enhance reliability by acting on the problem before it causes larger issues.

Want to achieve similar results?

Speak with our experts to learn more about how our product works.

 

Customer engagement journey

Our customer success team ensures that our software has maximum impact and implementation across our customer base. For this reason, we have designed a 3-step customer engagement journey:

 

Workshop

1-2 days

Provides insight about our software solution and capabilities. Together, we assess your current business processes and agree on use case(s) and prioritize for maximum business impact. Next, we define criteria for converting pilot to SaaS.

Pilot

2-4 months

Develop and demonstrate agreed upon use case(s). Quantify value and evaluate the solution.

Partnership

Ongoing

Implementing the product and forming a long-term partnership. Defining and agreeing upon new use cases to ensure maximum business impact.

 

Through this journey, we work together to understand your needs and design a customized solution for you.