Our association cooperated with Eltel Networks on the Life project “Protection of the white stork in river valleys in eastern Poland” in 2018. We worked together on the installation of FireFly markers on a 110 kV power line with the use of a drone. We are very pleased with the cooperation. The installation was carried out smoothly without any problems. We recommend cooperation with Eltel Networks, which has proved to be a professional and trustworthy business partner.
Edyta Kapowicz
Head of the Secretariat
Polish Society for the Protection of Birds
FACTS
Investor: Polish Society for the Protection of Birds
Location: Municipality of Wizna, Podlaskie Province
Completion: 2018
INVESTMENT DATA
- live 110 kV power lines
- 70 bird diverters (FireFly markers)
- octocopter drone built on the Tarot T18 frame
CHALLENGE
The Polish Society for the Protection of Birds asked us to install approx. 70 bird diverters in the form of FireFly markers on a 110 kV power line in the Narew River valley, near the village of Ruś, in the Municipality of Wizna. The work was particularly difficult because:
- the line was live and disconnecting it from the power supply was not possible
- the line was routed over two rivers
- the area was difficult to reach and boggy, so it was impossible to work with an aerial work platform
In view of these adversities, we decided to approach the task in an innovative way and use a drone (!) in our work. Our solution allows the installation of markers on a high-voltage (HV) line without turning off the power, does not damage the wires and is completely safe for our drone operators who perform such tasks quickly, professionally and precisely.
EFFECT
The work carried out by Eltel Networks involved the installation of a special marking on ground wires using a drone and a special holder. The holder is our proprietary patented solution that allows different types of markers to be hung on live wires quickly, efficiently and effectively. The purpose of the marking used, the so-called bird diverters, is to improve the visibility of obstacles on the migratory route of birds. With our specialist services and the use of a drone to install warning markers on a live power line:
- many flocks of birds have avoided collisions with high-voltage lines
- the height of bird flights in relation to the power line increased
- the number of sudden reactions of birds just before the line decreased
- the distance of birds’ response to the power line grew longer
This means that the markers installed by Eltel Networks have improved the safety of birds crossing the selected section of the 110 kV power line Wizna – Bialystok in their flights.
