Smarter Inspections at a Thermal Power Plant in Hebei

 

Thermal power plants are critical for energy generation but present a host of challenges for maintenance and inspection due to their complex layouts and hazardous environments. At a thermal power plant in Hebei, the Unitree B1 quadruped robot provided an intelligent, autonomous solution to enhance safety, efficiency, and precision in inspections across key areas like the 220kV booster station, boiler room, and turbine room.

The Challenge

Thermal power plants house diverse and intricate systems that require constant monitoring to ensure safe and efficient operations. Traditional inspection methods often involve significant risks and inefficiencies:

• Complex Environments: Outdoor booster stations, boiler rooms, and turbine rooms have tight spaces, high temperatures, and multiple obstacles.
• Safety Risks: Inspectors are exposed to high voltage, extreme heat, and potential chemical leaks.
• Monitoring Limitations: Detecting gas concentrations, partial discharges, and other critical parameters in real time can be difficult with manual inspections.

The Solution: Deploying the Unitree B1 Quadruped Robot

To overcome these challenges, the B1 quadruped robot was equipped with state-of-the-art hardware and software to meet the unique needs of the thermal power plant:

• 3D LiDAR System: Accurately maps and navigates complex environments, including confined and obstacle-filled areas.
• Dual-Light PTZ Camera: Captures and analyzes real-time instrument data, ensuring precise monitoring of equipment performance.
• Acoustic Imager: Detects partial discharges and gas concentrations, identifying potential issues before they escalate.
• Wireless Communication Module: Provides seamless remote monitoring and data transmission to the control room.
• Autonomous Charging Station: Enables continuous operation by allowing the robot to recharge without manual intervention.

This configuration allowed the robot to perform inspections across outdoor and indoor areas, autonomously collecting data and providing insights critical to plant operations.

Real-World Benefits

The deployment of the Unitree B1 robot at the thermal power plant in Hebei addressed several common challenges and delivered measurable benefits:

• Enhanced Safety: By autonomously navigating hazardous areas, the robot reduced the need for personnel to enter high-risk environments.
• Increased Precision: Advanced tools like the PTZ camera and acoustic imager ensured accurate monitoring of critical parameters, including gas concentration and partial discharge levels.
• Efficient Operations: Real-time data transmission and analysis streamlined the inspection process, minimizing downtime and manual effort.
• Cost Savings: The robot’s ability to operate autonomously and continuously reduced labor costs and improved operational efficiency.

Addressing Industry Challenges

Thermal power plants, like many industrial facilities, face persistent challenges in maintaining operational safety and efficiency. The Unitree B1 robot is specifically designed to address these issues:

• Unmanned Inspections: Autonomous capabilities eliminate the need for constant human oversight, making inspections safer and more reliable.
• Environmental Adaptability: The robot’s ability to navigate diverse environments, from booster stations to turbine rooms, ensures full coverage of inspection areas.
• Advanced Data Collection: Sensors like the acoustic imager and PTZ camera provide comprehensive insights into equipment performance, allowing for proactive maintenance.

Applications Beyond Thermal Power Plants

While this case study highlights the B1’s role in a thermal power plant, its versatility makes it suitable for other industries as well:

• Petrochemical Plants: Detecting gas leaks and monitoring equipment in high-risk zones.
• Power Grid Substations: Autonomous inspection of transformers, switchgear, and other critical assets.
• Manufacturing Facilities: Monitoring equipment health and ensuring operational safety in large industrial complexes.
• Mining and Energy: Inspecting underground facilities and renewable energy installations like wind farms.

Conclusion

The successful deployment of the Unitree B1 quadruped robot at the thermal power plant in Hebei underscores its ability to transform inspection processes in complex and hazardous environments. By leveraging advanced technology, the B1 ensures safety, precision, and efficiency, offering a smarter solution to industry-wide challenges.

For more information on how the Unitree B1 robot can optimize inspections at your facility, visit Robostore.com. As the official US distributor of Unitree Robotics, we’re here to help you take the next step toward autonomous inspections.