Vattenfall Utilizes Elios 3 to Map Dangerous Zones in a Decommissioned Power Plant At a decommissioned power plant operated by Vattenfall, the company deployed the Elios 3 drone to create detailed 3D models of areas that are unsafe for human entry. This innovative approach helped improve their understanding of these restricted zones, supporting safer and more efficient decommissioning efforts. **Key Benefits** - **Safety**: By using the Elios 3, Vattenfall personnel were able to access hazardous areas without risking their safety. The drone collected LiDAR data, allowing them to generate accurate 3D maps of dangerous zones without exposing workers to potential dangers like falling objects or confined spaces. - **Indoor 3D Mapping**: The Elios 3 provided real-time 3D mapping through its SLAM technology during flight, while post-flight processing with GeoSLAM software created even more detailed models. This dual approach ensured comprehensive coverage of the facility. - **Access**: Designed for confined spaces, the Elios 3 easily navigated the complex internal structure of the power plant, collecting all necessary data for precise 3D mapping. Watch how the Elios 3 mapped a restricted area in this video:
**Introduction** Decommissioned power plants often remain abandoned for years due to safety and security concerns. These facilities can pose risks such as falls, head injuries, and hazards from confined spaces. Additionally, the design and operational methods of power plants are considered sensitive information, making them targets for protection. Despite these challenges, companies like Vattenfall must maintain these sites, even when physical access is limited. This lack of knowledge about the internal layout can slow down maintenance and decommissioning processes. **Customer Needs** Vattenfall, one of Europe’s largest energy providers, operates across several countries, including Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the UK. In this case study, they were working at an old, decommissioned power plant that had been out of service for decades. After the plant was shut down, it was repurposed as a training site for the local fire department. However, certain areas remained off-limits due to ongoing safety risks, such as falling debris. Vattenfall’s R&D team sought new robotic solutions to map these inaccessible zones. They had previously used Flyability products and were excited about the launch of the Elios 3, a compact indoor drone equipped with a LiDAR sensor for creating high-resolution 3D maps in tight spaces. They decided to test it at the decommissioned plant to see if it could map areas too dangerous for humans. The Elios 3 uses FlyAware, a real-time SLAM algorithm, to build 3D models during flight. Post-flight, the LiDAR data can be further processed using GeoSLAM software for even greater detail. **Results** The mission was a success. The Elios 3 proved capable of entering areas that were completely inaccessible to humans, such as an old staircase inside the plant. Both the real-time SLAM-generated models and the post-processed 3D models provided the data needed for effective decommissioning. Anders Lindström, a Digital Inspection Specialist at Vattenfall, praised the drone's LiDAR capabilities: “It’s the only drone in this size category with LiDAR, and it’s a game-changer.” The team used the Ouster OS0-32 LiDAR sensor, known for its ultra-wide field of view and uniform point cloud generation, to capture detailed data of the area. A 3D fly-through of the staircase demonstrates the accuracy of the mapping:
The drone flew up to 30–40 meters (98–130 feet) into the stairwell, proving its ability to operate over long distances while maintaining a strong signal. Without the Elios 3, Vattenfall would have needed to use rope access or scaffolding, which would have taken weeks and cost significantly more. **Conclusion** After successfully mapping the stairway, Vattenfall shared the 3D models internally to highlight the potential of the Elios 3 in enhancing safety and efficiency. The results were well-received, especially the drone’s ability to map dangerous zones that are otherwise unreachable. With these successful tests, Vattenfall is confident that drones like the Elios 3 represent the future of industrial inspection and decommissioning. Their ability to access hazardous areas and generate accurate 3D models is a major advantage for the company’s operations.

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