NGCP steps up modernization of operations
Published Sep 10, 2020 07:00 am
Private transmission firm National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is stepping up on the upgrade and modernization of its facilities – a move that is also reinforcing the digitalization of its operations which is crucially needed in this time of a pandemic.
The company apprised the media that in its operations, it equipped three of its helicopters “with high definition photo and video cameras with gimbal stabilizers, infrared scanning and UV detection equipment to monitor, inspect and evaluate the condition of transmission lines and equipment.”
NGCP said such modernization on its facilities is particularly beneficial in areas that are inaccessible “due to terrain and environmental restrictions.”
The transmission company’s facilities sweep through mountainous terrains and mostly hard-to-reach domains; hence, the deployment of drones and other digital equipment could be a boost in ensuring fast-moving as well as safe operations.
With its helicopters, NGCP said it would be able to “assess, immediately identify and deploy personnel and equipment.”
The company expounded “this is especially crucial during emergency power restoration activities after typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other natural or man-made calamities.”
As narrated, its usage of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and remotely piloted aircraft or drone started last year, but this initiative has grown even more relevant this year given the movement restrictions being enforced on people – including those for critical jobs in the energy sector.
The company currently has three (3) drones; and it is targeting to roll out 45 more in the coming years. The additional drones are currently under procurement.
Additionally, NGCP said it is preparing to introduce a central control and monitoring system (CCMS) “to remotely operate its substations.”
That system, it said, “will comprise of real-time monitoring software and hardware which will be used for the acquisition, collection, monitoring and analysis of power data and equipment condition.”
Through the operation of the CCMS, NGCP noted this will enable it to pilot unmanned substations, that in turn could effectively “improve the operational performance of its facilities and provide greater flexibility for expansion.”
Such modernization of operations and digitalization of facilities, according to NGCP, are aligned with its goals “to bring the Philippine power grid to a world-class status in terms of operational resiliency while employing the latest technological advancements.”
Corollary to that, the transmission firm said it is in parallel enhancing the skill set of its workforce “to efficiently use and operate these new technologies.”
The company apprised the media that in its operations, it equipped three of its helicopters “with high definition photo and video cameras with gimbal stabilizers, infrared scanning and UV detection equipment to monitor, inspect and evaluate the condition of transmission lines and equipment.”
NGCP said such modernization on its facilities is particularly beneficial in areas that are inaccessible “due to terrain and environmental restrictions.”
The transmission company’s facilities sweep through mountainous terrains and mostly hard-to-reach domains; hence, the deployment of drones and other digital equipment could be a boost in ensuring fast-moving as well as safe operations.
With its helicopters, NGCP said it would be able to “assess, immediately identify and deploy personnel and equipment.”
The company expounded “this is especially crucial during emergency power restoration activities after typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other natural or man-made calamities.”
As narrated, its usage of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and remotely piloted aircraft or drone started last year, but this initiative has grown even more relevant this year given the movement restrictions being enforced on people – including those for critical jobs in the energy sector.
The company currently has three (3) drones; and it is targeting to roll out 45 more in the coming years. The additional drones are currently under procurement.
Additionally, NGCP said it is preparing to introduce a central control and monitoring system (CCMS) “to remotely operate its substations.”
That system, it said, “will comprise of real-time monitoring software and hardware which will be used for the acquisition, collection, monitoring and analysis of power data and equipment condition.”
Through the operation of the CCMS, NGCP noted this will enable it to pilot unmanned substations, that in turn could effectively “improve the operational performance of its facilities and provide greater flexibility for expansion.”
Such modernization of operations and digitalization of facilities, according to NGCP, are aligned with its goals “to bring the Philippine power grid to a world-class status in terms of operational resiliency while employing the latest technological advancements.”
Corollary to that, the transmission firm said it is in parallel enhancing the skill set of its workforce “to efficiently use and operate these new technologies.”