Unveiling how computer vision & AI brought innovation in the energy sector

The recent changing landscape enabled business leaders to identify new technologies and automation to stay ahead of the competitive curve. The electric power industry is growing at an expedient rate towards a more reliable grid. Infrastructural maintenance has become one of the greatest challenges for the utility industry. With increasing risk, utility companies are seeking effective solutions for evaluating those risks and aims at achieving zero carbon emissions and the focus has shifted to sustainable energy solutions. At the time of developing new energy sources, it is important to improve existing energy systems.

Computer vision is changing the way electrical energy systems are maintained and optimized. In this article, we are going to explore how the next-generation AI vision technology assists in paving the way for increasing operational efficiency & safety in the electric power industry. 

A glance at the energy sector

1. Before diving into the applications of computer vision in the energy sector, it is important to comprehend why these applications matter. Electricity is considered a key role of the energy sector. It begins with electricity generation at power plants using resources to transmit power over long distances through power lines. The four main stakeholders involved in an electricity production system are utility companies, regulators, grid operators and end users. Nowadays global market forces are impacting the landscape of utilities worldwide. Several disruptive technologies need a robust transformation of industry business models. 

The key role of Computer vision in the energy sector

Enabling automated visual inspections of critical energy, computer vision plays a significant role in enabling early detection of potential damage, safety hazards and malfunctions effectively optimizing maintenance schedules and improving operational efficiency while minimizing downtime costs.   

Real-time monitoring of infrastructure

Aerial drones that are well-equipped with computer vision-enabled cameras monitor vast areas of power lines, wind turbine blades and solar farms in real time. It helps to identify glitches such as loose connections, structural damage and corrosion. Therefore, it helps in the proactive maintenance of a clear infrastructure. 

Drone inspections

Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and Computer Vision in the energy sector can inspect power lines, solar farms, and transmission towers. It involves drones capturing videos and images of power lines in a specific location. These video or image data are then analyzed by vision AI models. AI models like YOLO11 that promote object detection and instance segmentation can detect different issues. Manual inspection is not only risky but also costly often resulting in flaws across inspection processes. Contrarily, AI-driven vision systems boost the inspection process and improve safety by reducing the requirement for human workers to perform dangerous tasks.  

Safety compliance & anomaly detection

Computer vision systems powered by AI are capable of monitoring workers on site to ensure that they are wearing proper safety gear and operating within designated areas. It helps in improving workplace safety and ensuring that workers remain secure in the workplace. Visual data can be analyzed and computer vision can detect unusual patterns in equipment performance prompting further investigation. 

Smart grid surveillance 

Real-time surveillance of power flow can be challenging. However, with the integration of computer vision models smart grid surveillance becomes easier with seamless detection of vulnerabilities. When combined with infrared technology, Vision AI models capture images of objects depending on their heat emission. Using thermal cameras and advanced imaging, the technology can detect hotspots. It can monitor utility poles in real time and look for sudden spikes in temperature. It immediately triggers an alarm and notifies the maintenance team.

Fire & smoke detection 

Vision AI systems can utilize the video data gathered from security cameras to detect any kind of fire and smoke across the surveillance area in real time. Early detection immediately alerts the security personnel and prevents any kind of impending danger from arising. 

Automated intrusion detection

Human detection in case of any unauthorized access to a classified zone can be seamlessly detected using computer vision AI. In situations of intrusion, the technology can be used for theft prevention and detection of illegal activities within the surveillance premises.   

Major benefits of using computer vision in the energy sector

Minimal maintenance costs

With early identification of issues, computer vision allows preventative maintenance, effectively minimizing expensive repair and downtime.

Advanced operational efficiency

With computer vision AI, inspections have become automated effectively decreasing the time and labor required for visual checks. 

Improved safety

With the real-time monitoring of critical infrastructure and worker safety practices. Computer vision technology is capable of mitigating risks and preventing accidents with early prevention. 

Data analysis

Vision AI provides accurate and consistent data analysis for improved decision-making relating to energy infrastructure management. 

Data-driven decision-making 

The various data gathered from vision AI models can be combined with historical data for making informed decisions. 

Conclusion

The trend of computer vision AI is increasingly gaining momentum in the field of technology. Harnessing machine learning models for collecting and training data can have greater returns in contrast to traditional training methods. As an AI development company, Nextbrain provides next-gen software infrastructure used by leading innovators. We have developed a full-suite AI vision system comprising a comprehensive set of abilities for covering the entire AI vision cycle for different industry verticals. 

Do you want to know more about computer vision and AI? Get in touch with the Nextbrain team to delve deeper into AI.