Project number
26035
Organization
PeakView Solutions
Offering
ENGR498-F2025-S2026
There are approximately 5.5 million miles of power lines and more than 180 million power poles in the United States. Most of the lines are above-ground (aerial) and are operated by investor-owned utilities. Even though most of the power grid is digitally recorded on GIS (Geographic Information System) maps, there is not always sufficient information to determine the vertical position of the utility below or above ground. This lack of 3D perception contributes to the more than 400,000 accidents related to utility lines as reported by the Common Ground Alliance in their yearly reports. Additionally, power lines that are not within the aerial sag limits frequently cause accidents and fires.
To combat this lack of 3D mapping, PeakView Solutions wants to offer a system that digitally captures above-ground utility lines and displays them to technicians via augmented reality (AR). This should reduce the number of accidents and help workers navigate above-ground utilities more effectively. Using ground or drone-mounted optical sensors might offer a potential solution to the data-gathering portion of the project. A binocular sensor approach would be preferred since it would support the data requirements for future projects. The displayed information in AR should also contain the identification, location, and conditions of the utility component. Lastly, the resulting software architecture should support future integration with CAD products.
Desired data metrics: Pole location, distance between poles, cable span and sag, lowest sag ground clearance, transformer and amplifier location, drop cable location, pedestal location, and ONT location.
Scope: (1) Research the best technologies to capture, store, and render data. (2) Perform trade studies for the various components. (3) Design a ground or aerial system that can accomplish the project goal. Although this is a prototype, consider the user experience and maintenance requirements in the design. (4) Build the system prototype along with the AR interface, considering off-the-shelf technology first. (5) Provide mechanical, electrical, and software diagrams of the system’s working components and processes. (6) Test the prototype for performance, safety, and ease of use. Use engineering design processes until an optimal design is found. (7) Develop plans (including cost estimates) to turn the system prototype into a compact, turnkey system that can be sold to customers and operated by technicians in the field. (8) Present results in a video conference and PowerPoint presentation.
To combat this lack of 3D mapping, PeakView Solutions wants to offer a system that digitally captures above-ground utility lines and displays them to technicians via augmented reality (AR). This should reduce the number of accidents and help workers navigate above-ground utilities more effectively. Using ground or drone-mounted optical sensors might offer a potential solution to the data-gathering portion of the project. A binocular sensor approach would be preferred since it would support the data requirements for future projects. The displayed information in AR should also contain the identification, location, and conditions of the utility component. Lastly, the resulting software architecture should support future integration with CAD products.
Desired data metrics: Pole location, distance between poles, cable span and sag, lowest sag ground clearance, transformer and amplifier location, drop cable location, pedestal location, and ONT location.
Scope: (1) Research the best technologies to capture, store, and render data. (2) Perform trade studies for the various components. (3) Design a ground or aerial system that can accomplish the project goal. Although this is a prototype, consider the user experience and maintenance requirements in the design. (4) Build the system prototype along with the AR interface, considering off-the-shelf technology first. (5) Provide mechanical, electrical, and software diagrams of the system’s working components and processes. (6) Test the prototype for performance, safety, and ease of use. Use engineering design processes until an optimal design is found. (7) Develop plans (including cost estimates) to turn the system prototype into a compact, turnkey system that can be sold to customers and operated by technicians in the field. (8) Present results in a video conference and PowerPoint presentation.