Brief Challenge Description:

The challenge seeks technological solutions to enable the inspection of long stretches of high-voltage transmission line right-of-way areas using fixed-wing drones in BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight) operations.

The inspection should include the following main analyses:

• Vegetation control: Identify, monitor, and classify vegetation within and adjacent to the right-of-way area based on its risk to the integrity of the transmission line and worker safety. Assess the distance between vegetation and cables, the risk of falling, catalog species, conduct regular inspections to monitor growth, and estimate future risks.
• Erosion control: Monitor erosion on slopes, right-of-way areas, and tower sites, including under vegetation, to evaluate risks to tower stability and define immediate actions or preventive monitoring.
• Occupation or invasion verification: Monitor unauthorized constructions or activities within the right-of-way areas.
• Right-of-way cleaning: Identify debris or obstacles that compromise line operations. Identify and quantify brush-clearing areas. Confirm the execution of contracted brush-clearing and debris removal services.
• Detailed mapping: Generate 3D models or point clouds for precise analysis of asset conditions.

The solution must demonstrate significant operational efficiency improvements, surpassing the limitations of multirotor drones in VLOS (Visual Line-of-Sight) or EVLOS (Extended Visual Line-of-Sight) operations, as well as conventional alternatives such as ground or helicopter inspections.

Mandatory requirements for the solution:

• eVTOL drone (vertical take-off and landing): To enable greater flexibility in hard-to-access locations.
• BVLOS operation: Autonomy for inspections beyond direct line-of-sight, with safety and regulatory compliance.
• Distance measurement: Implementation of point cloud-based technologies to measure, for example (but not limited to), the distance between vegetation and transmission lines, ensuring analysis accuracy.
• Point-cloud measurement sensor: Capable of mapping at least 50 km of transmission lines in a single flight.

Business Impacts:

The solution will enable faster and more precise inspections of transmission line rightof-way areas at lower costs.

• Greater speed and accuracy: Detailed inspection in less time, continuously covering long distances.
• Cost reduction: Minimization of operational expenses and the Variable Portion costs associated with failures or line unavailability.
• Safety: Reduced risks associated with conventional methods, such as manual or helicopter inspections.
• ESG: Carbon reduction through the use of electric drones recharged by renewable sources, replacing helicopters for inspections.

Expected Benefits:

• Reduced Variable Portion Costs: Decrease in Variable Portion costs due to asset unavailability.
• Increased operational efficiency: Faster and more economical inspections, allowing a focus on preventive and corrective actions.
• Reduced operational costs: Lesser reliance on traditional, more expensive methods such as manned aerial inspections.
• Reduction in right-of-way occupation: Rapid detection of invasions and irregular occupations, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Optimized asset management: More accurate data enables more effective maintenance planning and preventive actions.