DRONEWERX Partners with First Energy and Cleveland State University for Powerline Inspections with Drones

The senior design team, led by Dr. Allen Morinec (First Energy), showed off their work using a drone, provided by Dronewerx, LLC, to inspect electrical transmission lines at the Washkewicz College of Engineering’s biggest event of the year, the annual Senior Design Symposium and Awards.

Inspection of power lines and power poles offers significant cost reduction compared to conventional methods such as helicopters, industrial climbers, or cherry pickers, especially because the high-voltage power lines do not have to be shut down. Using a drone for these inspections also has advantages of reduction of inspection time, improved quality due to high-resolution images from optimum perspectives, and increased of safety for inspection staff (working at height being one of the most dangerous occupations).

Drones can also be used to detect damage after storms and conduct a detailed analysis in the case of malfunctions. At least two members of the design team plan to continue working with Dronewerx on this project in graduate school at CSU.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to expand this safer, faster, more reliable and less expensive alternative to power line and power pole inspections. This is truly a disruptive technology and we couldn’t be happier in working with Cleveland State University. This university is clearly on the right path in so many ways,” said, Matt Mishak, a managing member at Dronewerx, LLC.

Dr. Morinec expressed an enthusiastic interest in continuing the project next semester.

“Dronewerx provided thorough consultation for this project, in addition to the equipment, and we will look to them in expanding this work. We learned a lot from Matt and Mike,” said Morinec.

More than 50 Senior Design teams from the College showcased their innovative work. Entrepreneur, industrialist and CSU Trustee, Dan T. Moore, served as keynote speaker, and the night culminated with the awarding of the Top Three Senior Design Projects for the 2015-16 academic year.