Mobile operator A1 has inspected solar panels at its solar power plant, one of the largest in Belarus, using 5G Standalone (SA) test network capabilities implemented together with ZTE.
During the inspection, an aOrion helicopter drone was used to monitor the plant. The drone collected infrared images of solar panels for processing and analyzing of its conditions while in parallel a live video broadcast in HD resolution went on. This is the country's first experience of using an autonomous 5G network to control an unmanned aerial vehicle, and collect and transmit the required data in realtime as well. To control the process of producing "clean" energy, not only high-tech, but also environmentally friendly solutions were used.
The drone that is used for solar panel inspection is controlled remotely through A1 5G test networks, created on Standalone architecture to gain all the benefits of the newest technologies like for instance lowest latency, highest reliability, network slicing. Unlike networks with a Non-Standalone Architecture (NSA), "clean" 5G network was deployed without being tied to the infrastructure of 4G / LTE networks. The 5G SA network test launch project was carried out by A1, with ZTE’s massive MIMO and beamforming technologies.
5G connectivity has allowed remote and real-time monitoring of solar panels in an area equivalent to the scale of 60 football pitches. The professional aOrion drone, with the battery life of 120 minutes, sets a battery record not only for multicopters but also for all electric helicopters, including piloted ones. Throughout this time, the equipment installed on it transmitted high-definition video through the test network. At the same time, the device can transmit other types of data: images and even 3D models of objects that are under surveillance.
The drone is connected and controlled via 5G networks, while its response speed is significantly faster than for mobile communication networks of other generations. This makes the so-called one-button flight possible – in a fully automatic mode when the operator sets only waypoints and the necessary parameters.
Moving forward, the solution tested by A1, ZTE and aOrion can be used for inspection of various facilities for instance oil/gas pipelines, railways, construction areas, powerlines (including in difficult weather and climatic conditions or where human participation is unsafe or unreasonable), delivery of goods, participation in drone racing and other tasks that require careful real-time monitoring.
Christian Laque, A1 Senior Director for Technology
For the first time in Belarus, 5G test network has been utilized to monitor such an object as a solar power plant. We can convincingly demonstrate the new capabilities of modern communication standards for safe, high-quality and comprehensive monitoring of various strategically important infrastructures.
Wei Wei, director of ZTE FLLC (ZTE in Belarus)
ZTE, as one of the global leaders in 5G, truly believes that 5G is driving the development of the verticals and the digital transformation of industries. Deploying a variety of 5G applications enables the move from traditional manufacturing to intelligent manufacturing while reducing costs and increasing efficiency and quality.
