Revolutionizing Utility Infrastructure Inspection with Automated Drone Operations
Company: Enel
Industry: Utility – Power generation (solar, wind, hydro) and transmission
Scale: approximate 187 Bn in assets and 78 Bn
The Challenge
Enel faces significant challenges in efficiently monitoring their extensive utility infrastructure, particularly when scaling up drone operations for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS):
Manual battery replacement requirement: BVLOS drones require efficient automatic battery charging to eliminate the need for frequent manual replacements. Without effective charging infrastructure, drones must be manually transported to and from the field, leading to increased safety risks, complexities, and costs.
Solution Dilemma: Enterprise drone users face a dilemma with Drone-in-a-Box (DiaB) systems—either adopt a single drone-specific solution (risking over-reliance) or implement multiple systems, which is complex, and expensive.
Limited drone flight range restricting coverage
Logistical complexity of supporting diverse drone fleets
Operational Constraints for BVLOS operations
The Solution
Skycharge implemented a comprehensive drone docking and charging automation system with cross-platform capabilities to support Enel’s diverse fleet using a single unified infrastructure:
Skyport DP5: Environmental protection, remote open/close, and automatic standby charging
BOLOGNINI S1 Docking System: Supports DJI Matrice, DJI Mavic, and Enel’s custom drone platform; part of Skycharge’s patented docking systems.
Skycharge System 750W: Enables safe and fully automatic contact-based charging in an outdoor environment upon docking; Also part of Skycharge’s patented charging solution.
Charge SINK PLC: Facilitates auto-charging regardless of battery model while safeguarding the battery (contacts) from shorts in case of emergency landings on liquids,conductive surfaces and improper usage.
Skycharge Backend (Network Manager): Enables remote charging session monitoring and downloadable charging reports. The opportunity: pay-per-charge billing with third party drone service providers.
Industrial and environmental certifications allow installations also in primary substations and on transmission lines.
All drones were equipped with retrofit kits to ensure universal charging compatibility. The docking system remains unchanged.
Results & Operational Impact
Quantitative Impact
↳Pilot Success: Enel pilot project (as of October 2024) declared successful
↳93% successful automated charging sessions
↳Enabled on-site drone installation vs. repeated team and drone transport
↳Transitioned from manual to fully automatic charging with all drones
Qualitative Improvements
↳Eliminated need for field personnel during BVLOS ops
↳ Extended drone flight range via strategic “nest” i.e. charging pad deployment
↳ Streamlined multi-drone operations with cross-platform compatibility
↳ Improved remote monitoring via backend dashboard
↳Proven suitable for pay-per-charge business models
↳ Strategic alignment: The solution supports Enel's goals around resilience, independence from drone OEMs, and certification-ready infrastructure
“Not only did we exceed the project goals—we also experienced first-class collaboration. The Skycharge team proved extraordinary, especially Grzegorz and Andrea. Their support was invaluable.
”
Innovative Solution Highlights
Patented Technology: Skycharge is the owner of patents for both docking and charging systems in US, Europe and Japan
Cross-Platform Compatibility: it is the only patented solution supporting contact-based docking and charging of multiple drones and batteries
Remote Operations: Fully automated BVLOS capabilities
Advanced Monitoring: Real-time data, downloadable reports
Certified Installations: Approved for deployment in primary substations and transmission lines
Durability: 10+ year product lifespan; engineered for minimal commissioning/decommissioning needs
Looking Forward
Skycharge’s successful implementation with Enel reveals massive potential for scaling across utility and infrastructure networks:
Full deployment potential: Across Enel’s 300,000 substations and 2.2M km of power lines
Optimized inspections: More efficient routing, frequency, and planning
Expanded drone/payload support: Adaptability for future needs
