The HQ LineROVer: contributing to innovation in transmission line maintenance

Innovations in transmission line maintenance have had a significant impact at many levels, including equipment reliability, continuity of service, inspection accuracy and efficiency, cost-effectiveness in maintenance practices, follow-up and safety. New live-line tools and methods will help utilities maintain the reliability of their aging transmission line installations in a challenging market. The HQ LineROVer was first presented as an overhead ground wire de-icing application in 2000 (ESMO conference). The prototype has since evolved into a third generation remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Many maintenance applications are now being targeted: visual and infrared inspection, evaluation of compression splice conditions (resistance measurements), replacement of conductors and ground wires (live), cleaning and de-icing of conductors. Live-line inspections have been realized on Hydro-Quebec´s transmission network. Many other utilities throughout the world plan to use the ROV for their specific needs. The economic and strategic impacts of this new tool have been proven. Ongoing work on the HQ LineROVer and other ROVs will lead to the development of new live-line methods for transmission line maintenance.