Perhaps one of the more unique Unmanned Aerial Systems in the market, the Flyability Elios 1 is a confined space inspection UAS that originates from Switzerland. Therefore, I was extremely fortunate to operate this system for a brief time during my internship at Crawford Murphy and Tilley. With permission from the company I was able to make a post about the process we underwent to pull off another successful UAS confined space inspection mission. Shown in the video below is an idea of what its like to operate the Elios UAV. Although I do a good job at getting it close to my stationary camera, I am constantly adding in inputs to the transmitter because this UAS has no means of localization.
Overview
Designed with a distinguished spherical carbon fiber cage, the Elios 1 is a fairly sophisticated confined space inspection UAS. Key features include but are not limited to:
Collision Tolerant Resistance
High Effiecney on Board LED Lighting
Thermal Sensor
A flexible Sensor
Wireless Communication in Confined Spaces
Familiar to most, the ground control station uses DJI software but unlike most, the Elios 1 does not handle like a DJI UAS. This is because it has no means of localization. In fact, it takes a considerable amount of skill to keep the UAV stable in flight. Nevertheless, this system can navigate through areas inaccessible to humans and can keep people out of danger.
Preplanning the Mission
Given the fact that the Elios has proven to be a cost effective alternative to relatively time consuming confined space inspection, we determined that the Elios was the best tool to examine an out of commission elevator shaft at a wastewater treatment facility. Although easier said than done, the decision to use the Elios was a result of data from experts familiar with the work site, a risk assessment matrix, and a scope of the elevator shaft. From that point we had two options:
Overview
Designed with a distinguished spherical carbon fiber cage, the Elios 1 is a fairly sophisticated confined space inspection UAS. Key features include but are not limited to:
Collision Tolerant Resistance
High Effiecney on Board LED Lighting
Thermal Sensor
A flexible Sensor
Wireless Communication in Confined Spaces
Familiar to most, the ground control station uses DJI software but unlike most, the Elios 1 does not handle like a DJI UAS. This is because it has no means of localization. In fact, it takes a considerable amount of skill to keep the UAV stable in flight. Nevertheless, this system can navigate through areas inaccessible to humans and can keep people out of danger.
Preplanning the Mission
Given the fact that the Elios has proven to be a cost effective alternative to relatively time consuming confined space inspection, we determined that the Elios was the best tool to examine an out of commission elevator shaft at a wastewater treatment facility. Although easier said than done, the decision to use the Elios was a result of data from experts familiar with the work site, a risk assessment matrix, and a scope of the elevator shaft. From that point we had two options:
- Purchase the Elios 1 for $35,000
- Consult MFE Rentals and receive a quote for a three day operation
- An inventory of all Elios equipment
- An assessment of the aircraft for any damage from delivery
- Charging the batteries
- Practice Checking battery Voltage
- Practice Performing battery changes
- Practice flying the UAS
To give you an idea of the entire Elios system, refer to Figure 1 and the list of its components below.
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| Figure 1: Elios UAS Case |
- Battery Charger
- Android Tablett
- Tool Box
- USB tranmitter to tablet connecter
- Transmitter
- Backup Charger Chord
- Battery Pouch
- Lense Brush
- Battery Charger
- Cage to Frame Strap
As equally important to our preparation of the UAS, we had to remember that risk mitigation goes beyond the likelihood of a drone accident occurring. For example. How do we insure human does not get hurt accessing the work-site? Taken from the Flyability website are three important resources that we utilized.
Emphasized throughout these resources, it was vital that we pre-plan for potential safety hazards. This means that we made sure to pack personal protective equipment including.
- Hard hats
- Safety goggles
- Steel toe boots
Furthermore, having an environmental awareness was key. For example, as we began our mission on Day 2, the entrance to the area was poorly lit and we had to enter through a this door shown in Figure 2. Had we not prepared items such as flashlights, crowbars, and gloves, our mission would have taken significantly more longer.
Elios Flight Experience
After turning on the system, going through the checklists, and performing a test flight, we conducted the Elios confined Space inspection mission. Although I am not allowed to share the videoor the photos of the Elios in the elevator shaft, we were able to provide video and thermal imagery to the client. Totaling less than 24 minutes of flight time, we spent more time planning the mission then performing it. Although I have no idea how much time a human inspection would take, or how many hazards would have to be mitigated, I imagine that the Elios inspection was a preferred alternative compared to hiring certified climbers.
Conclusion
After the mission, processing the data was relatively straightforward, and the resources from myflyability.com have a great workflow on how to analyze the thermal imagery. Within the same day we were able to provide the client the Elios inspection results so that engineers could determine a cost effective solution on how to address the elevator shaft. In addition I flew a UAV on the exterior of the building to give the clients a clear perspective of areas they might have to address for future repairs.
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