DRONE H2 :LONGER, MORE EFFICIENT AND MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY DRONE MISSIONS THANKS TO HYDROGEN
Long range and fast recharging: fuel cells are a promising alternative to traditional batteries for drones. SEGULA has developed a 25 kg demonstrator equipped with a fast-fill hydrogen tank and an integrated energy management system. This innovation paves the way for longer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly missions, particularly suited to large energy sites.
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IMADRONE : MAKING INSPECTION OF HARD-TO-REACH AREAS MORE RELIABLE
IMADRONE’s objective is to make inspections more accurate, even in areas that are difficult to access or subject to adverse weather conditions. An algorithm adjusts the flight in response to gusts of wind to produce a complete 3D reconstruction of the area to be inspected. SEGULA uses advanced stabilisation and obstacle detection technologies, guaranteeing the quality of the surveys without any prior preparation of the site.
Inspection of a high-voltage electrical substation at TotalEnergies
In 2024, SEGULA assisted TotalEnergies at its Grandpuits platform (Seine-et-Marne) with the inspection of its 63kV high-voltage electrical substation. Traditional methods such as the use of aerial work platforms or scaffolding were not only risky, but also extremely difficult to implement in this confined environment, where every intervention represents a major challenge. To ensure maximum safety, SEGULA opted for a drone inspection.
The results? High-quality images, a quick and safe operation, and a comprehensive diagnosis that enables TotalEnergies Grandpuits to effectively optimise its maintenance and renovation planning.
FOCUS ON TOPONE : THE DRONE DESIGNED TO SAFELY INSPECT UNDERGROUND POWER LINES
Every day, to ensure the power supply to large cities, technicians work behind the scenes to carry out meticulous inspections of power lines in accessible underground tunnels. But this is not without risk: high temperatures, lack of oxygen, high concentrations of harmful gases, and the risk of rockfalls make these expeditions particularly dangerous, even deadly. To eliminate these risks, the R&D department of SEGULA Spain’s industry division has developed a drone designed to carry out these inspections completely autonomously.
The challenge: to be able to navigate autonomously in environments without Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals.
Most of the time, the anomalies detected are cable breaks or cracks caused by overheating. The TOPONE drone is therefore equipped with a thermal camera capable of detecting hot spots (potentially damaged areas) and capturing colour images (RGB).
The drone is also equipped with sensors that measure temperature, oxygen percentage and the presence of harmful gases to alert users in case of danger.
Autonomous navigation is facilitated by two depth cameras, which create a 3D model of the environment, and two altimeters, which measure the distance from the ground and ceiling. All this data is processed by an on-board computer, allowing the drone to operate without a constant connection to a control station. The ground control station (GCS) displays all the information necessary for an effective inspection.
To be fully operational, this drone also required the development of a complete software architecture, integrating several modules, including a localisation and perception system, a control ans guidance system, and a system for capturing mission-specific data. Each of these modules underwent rigorous computer testing.
The unique feature of TOPONE is its autonomy: simply place the drone at the start of the inspection and tell it which route to follow. The drone will find this specific route, perform a visual inspection of the power lines autonomously, and return to its starting point.
What are the next steps?
The completion of this prototype and the success of the laboratory tests demonstrate that there are practical solutions for inspecting hazardous areas, such as tunnels, without endangering technical personnel. The SEGULA teams now wish to work on developing an advanced model that they hope will soon be marketable and operational in the field.
This invention could subsequently be used in various sectors of activity, such as the inspection of underground mines, railway tunnels and caisson bridges. It could also play an essential role in caving and cave rescue operations.
➡️You can find this article in our energy magazine.
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