Sponsored by MMC. Drone technology is relatively new – but the clear success of drone implementation has led to rapid adoption in the energy industry. Leading commercial drone manufacturer MMC has now completed over 300,000KM of power line stringing across the globe. Tested in the dramatic landscapes of mountains across the Asian continent, rainforests in Indonesia, and challenging urban environments, the lessons learned make the MMC Spider a leader in the field – and MMC has created a total solution to allow energy companies everywhere to utilize it.
Power line stringing in difficult terrain offers multiple challenges. Over mountainous areas, and crossing valley or rivers, projects are not only labor intensive and expensive but can be life-threatening to the workforce. Many projects require stringing over hot lines: performing this task by drone ensures the safety of the operator. Projects that call for crossing plantations or protected areas are often blocked by environmental regulations, a hurdle easily overcome with a fly-over solution.
MMC’s customers offer enthusiastic testimonials to the effect that the Spider Solution has had in solving their most difficult problems.
“I never imagined that drones could substitute for manpower to complete such a difficult project,” says Praphan Ooraikul, manager of CHC Engineering Co. in Thailand. “We’ve found a trustworthy partner to complete our power transmission construction.”
In East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, contractors work with weather conditions always in mind. The high mountain region comprised of remote islands is a challenging environment. “It’s a race against time,” says a representative from PT. Mega Eltra. “We are always racing against the fog – not to mention the rain and the wind. But with the MMC drone, we’ve completed the project, bringing power to the local people.”
Bhutan is a landlocked country in the Himalayas, where steep terrain combines with lack of access to towers to make power line stringing extremely challenging. “This is clearly the best product for transmission line stringing in the mountains,” says Ratish Kumar Das, Stringing Manager for KEC International. “The best part is stringing over hot lines – keep up the good work!”
“The MMC drone is unbelievably useful in difficult scenarios,” says another team member. “The drone satisfies all requirements in structure and performance.”
The Spider Solution includes the MMC X6 industrial drone, with an option to utilize the A6 weather resistant drone; an intelligent drop system with camera; and cable reel with guide lines. The total package provides the T9 Remote Controller with display screen, batteries, charger, and carrying cases – and MMC provides a customized solution of support and services to meet your companies needs.
Alan is serial entrepreneur, active angel investor, and a drone enthusiast. He co-founded DRONELIFE.com to address the emerging commercial market for drones and drone technology. Prior to DRONELIFE.com, Alan co-founded Where.com, ThinkingScreen Media, and Nurse.com. Recently, Alan has co-founded Crowditz.com, a leader in Equity Crowdfunding Data, Analytics, and Insights. Alan can be reached at alan(at)dronelife.com