In the Hera Group innovation has literally taken flight. In order to constantly guarantee quality services to the area in which it operates, the Bologna-based multi-utility always turns its attention to the most modern technologies, to the use of which it dedicates substantial investments and the commitment of qualified technical work groups. It is for this reason that the Group will bring its experience to the national conference: "Droni: ready to take off", on the use of drones for civil applications, scheduled for Tuesday 11 February in Milan. The most important companies in the sector will participate in the event, organized by the Digital Innovation Observatories of the School of Management of the Milan Polytechnic.
Aerial drones: a valid tool for monitoring networks and plants
Thanks to their versatility, ease of use and relatively low cost, drones have become alternative and complementary investigative tools for activities such as those carried out by the Hera Group. In fact, there are countless opportunities offered by these detection systems in the daily management of essential services. An example is given by the multi-utility's use of drones to check the status of power lines in the event of particular faults, which are not easily viewable from the ground by operators, also because in contexts that are not easily accessible. On the other hand, helicopters are used in the scheduled inspection activity of the almost 1.500 km of overhead power lines under the responsibility of the Group. Flying drones are also used to verify any situations related to illegal discharges, in monitoring following redevelopment of public lighting or to observe the filling status of landfills, or even for constant checks on tanks and, in general, roofs. Specially designed drones are also of support in inspection activities of confined places, such as sewer pipes, making it possible to manage interventions based on precise data.
Aquatic drones are also active in managing the water service
Not just flying drones: in managing the water cycle, the Hera Group also uses aquatic drones, capable of diving to perform various functions such as analyzing the state of drinking water tanks, or tanks and artifacts, without there being the need to empty them. In fact, the devices are able to provide detailed information on the state of the collectors, even in the presence of cloudy water.
Satellite scanning
The use of cutting-edge technologies by the Hera Group does not stop at drones; remember, for example, the use of data obtained through satellite scanning. This system has been in use for some time to remotely detect the stability of sewage collectors, pre-locate leaks in water networks and monitor landslides in the Apennine area served, so as to prevent breakages in the gas networks.
