LiDAR technology has transformed the way large-scale surveying is conducted across various industries, and the power sector is no exception. From onshore wind farms to geothermal power plants, LiDAR surveying provides the precision and speed needed to execute projects efficiently. Below are some key applications of LiDAR in the power industry.
1. Onshore Wind and Solar Farms & Tower Spotting
For expansive land-based projects like wind farms, solar farms, and tower spotting, Aerial LiDAR Surveying is the ideal solution. Using a manned aircraft equipped with the Riegl VQ-580-II-S, AB Surveying and Development can efficiently cover large areas, flying at heights of up to 2.5 kms while maintaining pinpoint accuracy. This method significantly reduces the time needed for topographic surveys compared to traditional ground methods. The system captures high-resolution 3D data, mapping vast land areas in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for large-scale energy infrastructure projects.
Did you know that AB Surveying and Development pioneered the use of LiDAR surveying for tower spotting? With LiDAR-generated maps, power and energy companies gain a comprehensive view to strategically place their towers. These detailed maps help identify potential impact areas, reducing the risk of placement errors. Additionally, LiDAR allows companies to assess the height of trees and nearby structures that could affect or compromise the tower’s stability, ensuring that potential damage or interference is avoided.
Actual Aerial LiDAR Scanning Project done for Tower Spotting
Why Aerial LiDAR is Best for Large-Scale Projects:
Time-of-flight LiDAR like the Aerial LiDAR sends out individual laser pulses and measures how long it takes for the pulse to travel to the object and back (like an echo). The longer it takes, the further away the object is.
• Why it’s good: Time-of-Flight scanners are great for long-distance measurements. They can scan huge areas (up to several kilometers), making them perfect for large outdoor projects, such as mapping landscapes, roadways, or large-scale infrastructure projects like wind or solar farms.
• Faster Data Acquisition: Using a manned aircraft allows for rapid surveying of extensive areas, reducing overall project time.
• High Precision at Altitude: Even at altitudes of 2.5 KMs, the Riegl VQ-580-II-S captures detailed data, ensuring accuracy and precision across vast terrains.
Actual Aerial LiDAR Scanning Project done of EDSA Balintawak showing visible Transmission lines
2. Geothermal Power Plants
When it comes to geothermal power plants, detailed scanning inside the facility is essential for inspecting pipes, tubes, and other internal structures. Terrestrial LiDAR using the FARO Focus X330 excels in this area, delivering high-accuracy scans of complex industrial environments. Whether it’s the piping systems or machinery inside the plant, Terrestrial LiDAR provides accurate 3D models that help in maintenance, monitoring, and detecting potential issues early on.
Why Terrestrial LiDAR is Ideal for Geothermal Plants:
This type of scanner sends out a continuous laser beam that oscillates or “phases.” The device measures how much the laser wave shifts when it bounces back off an object.
• Why it’s good: Since it measures tiny phase shifts, it collects data very quickly and is great for capturing fine details. This is why it’s excellent for applications like architectural surveying or 3D as-built models (e.g., geothermal power plants), where you need to capture every small detail of complex structures in a short time.
• Downside: It works best at shorter ranges (usually less than 300-330 meters), so it’s not ideal for large open areas where you need long-distance measurements.
• Precision in Tight Spaces: Terrestrial LiDAR is perfect for scanning confined or complex areas inside a plant, capturing every detail with precision.
Actual Project done for a Geothermal Power Plant
3. Offshore Wind and Solar Farms
Offshore energy projects, such as wind and solar farms, require specialized surveying due to the water environment. Aerial Bathymetric LiDAR, equipped with green laser technology, is designed to penetrate water surfaces, making it ideal for mapping underwater topography. This is crucial for planning the placement of offshore wind turbines or floating solar farms. Using our advanced Riegl VQ-840-G, we can capture both land and underwater data, ensuring comprehensive and seamless mapping of coastal and offshore areas.
Why Aerial Bathymetric LiDAR is Essential for Offshore Projects:
This type of scanner uses a laser that sends pulses of green light, which can penetrate water surfaces. When the laser hits the seabed or riverbed, it reflects back to the sensor. The time it takes for the light to return is measured to determine the depth of the water and map underwater features.
• Why it’s good: Unlike traditional LiDAR, bathymetric LiDAR systems can accurately map underwater terrain, crucial for offshore energy infrastructure.
• Rapid Data Collection: Deploying a manned aircraft instead of a boat/survey vessel enables quick surveying of large areas, significantly shortening project timelines.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Aerial Bathymetric LiDAR provides seamless data acquisition across both land and water, making it invaluable for coastal and offshore energy projects.
Sample Output by Riegl using Riegl VQ-840-G
Transform Power and Energy with LiDAR: Faster, Sharper, Better
At AB Surveying and Development (ABSD), we provide LiDAR surveying solutions tailored to every industry and need. LiDAR technology is a game-changer for the power industry, offering precise, efficient, and scalable surveying solutions for both onshore and offshore projects. Whether it’s capturing vast topographies for wind farms, inspecting internal structures in geothermal plants, or mapping underwater terrains for offshore farms, LiDAR ensures that projects are executed with speed and accuracy. This significantly enhances project timelines and cost-efficiency, delivering data-driven insights across various power and energy applications.
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