Overhead Power Lines

 

Overhead lines include numerous current-carrying connections and components subject to high mechanical loads.

Corrosion, ageing, vibration, reduced contact forces, installation defects or mechanical damage can lead to increased contact resistance, localised heating and progressive damage.

 

Depending on the system configuration, accessibility and inspection objective, we inspect overhead power line routes using:

• ground-based thermography with high-performance telephoto optics

• radiometric drone thermography

• or a combination of both methods

This enables relevant components to be captured from suitable viewing angles under actual operating conditions. Thermal anomalies can then be assessed and prioritised for targeted follow-up inspections and maintenance measures.

 

Particularly relevant components include:

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• compression dead-end clamps

• wedge-type dead-end clamps

• suspension and support clamps

• compression joints and repair sleeves

• parallel-groove and connection clamps

• jumper loops and connections

• conductors at contact, clamping and support points

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The focus is not limited to conventional current-carrying connections. At suspension, clamping and support points, wind-induced vibration, fretting corrosion, material fatigue, broken conductor strands or other mechanical damage may also affect thermal behaviour. Not every mechanical defect can be detected directly by thermography. However, unusual temperature patterns can provide valuable indications of stressed or potentially damaged areas and support targeted visual, electrical or mechanical follow-up inspections.

 

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Substations & Transformer Substations

 

At substations and transformer substations, we inspect transformers and the associated connection, distribution and cooling components under actual operating conditions. Depending on the project scope, the inspection may cover individual assets or the entire site.

 

Particularly relevant components include:

• transformer connections and bushings

• higher- and lower-voltage-side cable and busbar connections

• cable terminations and connection points

• cooling fins, radiators, fans and pumps

• main and auxiliary distribution systems within the station

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Switching Stations & Air-Insulated Switchgear

 

At switching stations and air-insulated switchgear installations, we inspect thermographically accessible current paths, connections and switching components. The inspection may cover complete switchgear assemblies, individual bays or panels, or particularly critical sections of the installation.

 

Particularly relevant components include:

• busbars and bay connections

• disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and circuit-breakers

• terminals, bolted connections and connection points

• current and voltage transformer connections

• cable connections and cable terminations

• other accessible contact points and electrical interfaces