Imagine this: There are over 100 million woodpeckers breeding in the northern hemisphere, and they just love pecking on the poles. While this might not seem problematic, it leads to damages on power grids. The solution? Enter Gridguard, an IoT product designed to protect infrastructure without causing any harm to these cute creatures.
“Gridguard started as an initiative to address the constant challenge of power outages caused by damages to timber masts and overhead lines. Our aim was to develop a product that could enhance the entire power supply without disrupting nature,” explains Stig Skjelvik, CEO of Gridguard.
How does it work?
Utilizing embedded machine learning, the system identifies the species of bird interacting with the grid pole. Once identified, Gridguard deploys a targeted audio response that prevents the woodpecker from causing further damage to the infrastructure. By accurately pinpointing faults, Gridguard can reduce downtime by up to 50%.
“The deterrent is activated only when a bird attempts to damage the pole, allowing woodpeckers to continue their natural activities, like nesting and living in nearby trees. This aspect is important to us, given that woodpeckers play a vital role in the ecosystem by creating habitats for other bird species. Our technology ensures the protection of power infrastructure while maintaining a harmonious balance with the natural environment,” says Stig.
From monitoring bird activity to detecting high-voltage events
One of the most significant challenges the company was facing in developing Gridguard was the integration and analysis of diverse environmental data.
“The goal of developing the IoT tool was not just to create a sensor, but also to create a product capable of interpreting diverse environmental conditions such as rot fungus and high-voltage events. To accurately analyze diverse data points, extensive research involving advanced coding and hardware development was required,” explains Stig.
But Gridguard does not only provide the data, but it’s also the comprehension of environmental aspects that motivates the company to further refine the product.
“Our tool assists grid companies in preventing issues and predicting potential problems. Balancing these concerns with natural preservation and ensuring accurate prevention has been a complex yet gratifying challenge!”, says Stig with a wide smile.
Selecting the right batteries – a critical consideration
To maintain optimal system performance, the company has required batteries capable of operating during extreme temperature fluctuations, ranging from -20°C in winter to +35°C in summer,
“Our strategy revolved around the use of solar cells. While these cells converted a portion of sunlight into electricity, we recognized that the excess energy in the form of heat played an important function. This excess heat maintained an appropriate temperature within the battery enclosure, allowing for effective charging even in subzero temperatures. This discovery was essential in ensuring consistent year-round functionality”, says Stig.
“Working with GP batteries provided an important benefit: safety in logistics. The NiMH – batteries allow us to export our products globally via express packages without having to worry about the fire danger limits that airlines frequently impose. This logistical flexibility will be critical to our global reach and client service efficiency”, concludes Stig.
Thank you, Stig, and Gridguard for choosing our batteries and sharing your story with the readers around the world!