A new innovative analytics model has been developed to address the maintenance challenges faced by Finnish energy companies, enhancing power grid maintenance efficiency while delivering significant cost savings. This new service model was created by Evision Oyj in collaboration with its partners, Enerva Oy and Järvi-Suomen Energia Oy.
Challenges in Power Grid Maintenance and the Need for Innovation
In Finland, power grid companies are legally required to ensure reliable electricity supply under all conditions. This obligation demands the reliable operation of hundreds or even thousands of kilometers of power lines, regardless of weather or usage conditions. Managing these grids cost-effectively requires well-timed planning and execution of maintenance activities.
Many power grid companies still rely on outdated models to assess maintenance needs, often overlooking regional differences in grid maintenance requirements and lifespan. The newly developed, reliability-based network analytics tool offers improved scheduling for maintenance actions. By using drone technology for imaging, along with advanced analytics, companies now receive real-time and precise data on grid condition, allowing for targeted maintenance efforts at the right time and place.
Founded in 2022, Evision, part of the Suur-Savon Sähkö Group, specializes in the digital transformation of the energy sector, positioning itself as a trailblazer in the field. The company focuses on solutions that enhance reliability and support grid operators in managing the fluctuations of energy production and demand. Evision provides data-driven and analytics-based maintenance services, not only for Suur-Savon Sähkö but also for other industry players.
Through collaboration with Esri Finland, Evision has launched a significant innovation: a reliability-based management tool for power grids, available to the entire energy industry. This tool marks a step towards smarter and more sustainable grid management, benefitting grid operators aiming to improve efficiency with modern technology.
Drones and Analytics – Enabling Predictive Maintenance
Drones, AI, and analytics form the core of this solution, allowing grid maintenance to be performed proactively and more effectively than ever before. Drones capture high-quality imagery and video data of the grid, which advanced analytics then processes, providing valuable insights into the grid’s condition. The model identifies worn components, risks posed by vegetation, and other potential issues, enabling preventive maintenance planning before more serious problems arise. Detailed information on the location and impact of maintenance targets helps prioritize future maintenance tasks.
With this new tool, grid operators can enhance maintenance efficiency and allocate resources based on actual needs, which boosts grid reliability and reduces costs. This reliability-based maintenance method is available through Esri Finland Oy, integrated into the ArcGIS tool, making it readily accessible to energy sector professionals.
