Augmented Reality to make electrical hazard areas visible in an ENEDIS substation
CONTEXT
ENEDIS, which manages the electricity distribution network covering 95% of mainland France, operates and modernizes a vast network serving 37 million customers.
The rise of renewable energies has led to an increase in the number of projects to resize substations to accommodate new producers. In this context, the safety of interventions in these substations is becoming a major strategic issue.
PROBLEM
ENEDIS personnel must ensure that safety distances are properly observed, particularly by external teams. Traditional plans and diagrams do not always clearly show the areas at risk, especially since each substation has a unique configuration that requires the preparation tools to be adapted.
How can ENEDIS workers effectively raise awareness among external teams, before and during their work in a specific substation, in order to ensure the highest level of safety?
SOLUTION
YZAR has designed an Augmented Reality solution for ENEDIS that allows real-time visualization of the safety zones of a pilot substation.
Using a simple Android tablet, the application maps the environment via the camera and accurately superimposes 3D models directly onto the actual equipment.
The solution combines three key technologies:
• 3D scanning: Accurate mapping of the actual environment of the substation
• 3D models of different zones: with precise overlay on the ground
• Dedicated mobile application:
○ Continuously determine the position of the tablet in relation to the real environment of the source station.
○ Display Augmented Reality content, such as safety zones in the form of translucent, colored 3D volumes.
○ Provide contextual and interactive information to help workers understand and comply with safety distances.
BENEFITS
Feedback from operational staff has been very positive on this pilot application. Thanks to this solution, ENEDIS can do the following at this source station:
• Improve safety: reduce accidents through clear and immediate visualization of safety zones.
• Carry out all farming operations (plowing, sowing, spraying, harvesting) under realistic conditions
• Facilitate Control and Validation: The application makes it easy to check safety distances in the field.
• Strengthen Training and Awareness: the application can help train and raise awareness among teams about safety rules.
The solution developed by YZAR for ENEDIS on a test source station has proven its usefulness to operational staff. This initiative demonstrates ENEDIS' commitment to innovation and the use of modern technologies to improve the safety and efficiency of its operations.