Students help tackle safety challenge
Berri Regional School has won an innovation award for a robotic solution to safety issues found in SA Power Networks substations.
The team from Berri Regional School won the main Innovation Award for their solution. Pictured at the Adelaide Convention Centre with their robot are Berri students Damon Clews (behind), Ethan Baldock, Deni Clark, Kiana Rundell and Josh King. They were accompanied by teacher Tahlia King (not pictured).
Electricity substations are a significant and important element in managing the supply of electricity around South Australia and play an important role in managing the network, voltages and safety. But working in a substation that may have been compromised due to a fault or equipment failure is a challenging issue.
SA Power Networks Head of Corporate Affairs, Paul Roberts, said “we have many safe work procedures in place to ensure the safety of our people when working in substations with energy levels of up to 66,000 volts”.
“But we are always looking for innovative ideas to engineer-out the risk,” he said.
SA Power Networks asked school students to take a fresh look at the problem.
SA Power Networks and VEX Robotics combined to offer awards to schools that could develop and build a robot to navigate a substation, operate key manual switching equipment and detect abnormalities.
More than 100 students from 13 metropolitan and regional public and private schools were involved in the competition, which was linked to the STEM program in schools, with participants being supported by experts from SA Power Networks and VEX Robotics.
“SA Power Networks believes smart, robotic technology could be used to reduce the risks inherent in working in substations where there are safety issues with switching that may pose a risk to our crews,” Roberts said.
“While we have various safe work procedures to currently minimise this risk when undertaking manual switching in substations, use of robots would help eliminate any risk to crews. We see the use of robots or drones as a major opportunity for innovation that can improve efficiency and safety.”
Nicholas Eagle, National Sales Director of VEX Robotics said “it’s fantastic to see our partnership with SA Power Networks and the schools in South Australia continue to grow.”
“The impact this has on the students and the growth of STEM is truly inspiring.”
SA Power Networks substations operate at up to 66,000 Volts. Substations are a crucial part of the electricity supply network, providing important voltage management and safety protection as well as network management system controls.
The 13 schools participating in the SA Power Networks/VEX Robotics SWER Line Robotics Competition are: Adelaide Botanic High School, Banksia Park International High School, Berri Regional Secondary College, Gawler & Districts B-12 College, Kadina Memorial School, Mid North Christian College, Oakbank Area School, Para Hills High School, Pembroke School, Pulteney Grammar School, Reynella East College, St. Martins Lutheran College and Woodcroft College
