Applus+ enhances the safety and accuracy of high-voltage substation engineering with 3D LiDAR technology

Challenges in data collection at high-voltage substations

The development of high-voltage substation engineering projects requires detailed information to be collected on the dimensions, location, and characteristics of installed equipment.

Conventional methods, based on photographs and manual measurements using tape measures, could extend fieldwork and lead to inaccuracies. In addition, modifications requested during the design phase often required further site visits to obtain additional measurements.

This increased the time and resources required, affected project schedules, and exposed personnel to risks associated with working near energized equipment.

3D LiDAR technology for accurate electrical data capture

To overcome these limitations, Applus+ introduced the FJD Trion S1 3D LiDAR scanner, a 3D modeling device capable of capturing up to 320,000 points per second and generating detailed digital representations of facilities.

The technology produces high-resolution point clouds, 360° photographs and videos, providing an accurate geometric basis for developing three-dimensional models and supporting engineering work.

Implementation was complemented by staff training in equipment operation, data processing, and the fundamentals of the Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology. In this way, Applus+ integrated digital site surveying with its basic and detailed engineering services for high-voltage substations.

Benefits of 3D LiDAR scanning in substation engineering

The introduction of 3D LiDAR technology improved the accuracy of the information collected and reduced the need for manual measurements near energized equipment.

Having a complete digital record of the facilities made it easier to access data and incorporate modifications during the design phase, avoiding further site visits in many cases. This helped optimize project schedules and resource utilization.

Although adopting the technology required an initial training phase and testing in controlled environments, the process strengthened the team’s technical capabilities and encouraged the integration of digital tools into engineering projects.

Safer and more efficient electrical substation engineering with Applus+

By incorporating 3D LiDAR technology, Applus+ strengthens its ability to deliver high-voltage substation engineering solutions based on accurate data and digital models of existing facilities.

This methodology helps improve safety during site surveys, increase design reliability, and facilitate the subsequent construction phase, enhancing the efficiency and quality of project delivery.