Deployment of DJI Dock 3 and DJI Matrice 4TD at the Municipal Department
Recently, we had the opportunity to carry out a project in which we implemented a industrial drone solution DJI at the Municipal Plant in Opole. The entire process required a thorough understanding of the specifics of the facility and the real problems faced by the plant in its daily operations. After a series of meetings and a demonstration of the equipment, it quickly became clear that our proposed solution not only responds to key threats, but can also be applied in many other operational areas.
DJI DOCK 3 and DJI Matrice 4TD?
DJI Dock 3 is an advanced docking station that enables fully autonomous operations - from takeoff to landing to automatic charging and readiness for subsequent missions. It allows the drone to work cyclically, without the constant presence of the operator, carrying out scheduled tasks at any time of the day or night.
DJI Matrice 4TD is an industrial drone equipped with a thermal imaging camera, an RGB camera and a rangefinder, designed to operate in demanding environments. Such platforms are used m.in. by emergency services and security units, where reliability, weather resistance and precise infromation are important.
What problem does ZKO have?
One of the biggest risks at utilities is spontaneous combustion of bio-waste heaps, which very often develops inside the pile and for a long time remains invisible to the naked eye. During the processes of biodegradation produces gases and high temperatures,that can lead to fire without any previous visible signals.
When the fire finally becomes visible, the situation is already critical. It can take weeks or even months to extinguish such a fire, generating huge costs, putting workers at risk and often forcing the temporary suspension of work of a part of the plant.
Our proposed solution - DJI Matrice 4TD and DJI Dock 3
The answer to the problem of invisible spontaneous combustion of heaps is automatic aerial thermal imaging monitoring, realized by the set DJI Matrice 4TD with docking station DJI Dock 3. This system allows for cyclic, autonomous flights of the drone over the entire plant site.
The drone analyzes temperature distribution of bio-waste heaps, detecting disturbing anomalies at a very early stage. When an elevated temperature is detected, the system automatically locates the problem area, performs a accurate thermal and RGB images, and then sends an alert to the relevant plant personnel. This allows the reaction to take place before an open fire occurs, minimizing risks, costs and operational downtime.
Main threats
The environment of the municipal plant poses specific challenges for the drone system. One of them is fowl, which naturally occurs in waste disposal areas and needs to be taken into account in flight planning. The second important factor is varying terrain temperature - the presence of machinery (e.g., heated car mufflers), installations (e.g., a genset) and technological processes means that not every thermal anomaly means a real danger.
Therefore, a key element of the whole solution is well-designed drone flight path. Appropriate height, flight route and observation points allow effective monitoring of bio-waste piles, minimizing the risk of false alarms and ensuring safe and repeatable system operation.
Why this solution is more effective than classic thermal camera masts?
Traditional mast-based systems with thermal cameras provide continuous monitoring, but are limited to one predetermined area. In practice, this means a lack of flexibility - kany change in the location of the prisms or expansion of the plant requires costly interference with the infrastructure.
A solution based on DJI Matrice 4TD and DJI Dock 3 allows for monitoring of the entire plant site, and not just one point. The drone executes planned routes, can quickly check different prisms, change flight altitude and observation angle, which significantly increases the effectiveness of temperature anomaly detection.
In addition, the drone system offers much lower installation and expansion costs, faster deployment and the ability to immediately document events in the form of images and coordinates. This makes it a solution more flexible, scalable and better suited to the dynamic environment of municipal facilities.
Implementing the system step by step
Deployment of DJI Dock 3 system with DJI Matrice 4TD drone is implemented as a comprehensive process, covering all key stages:
Delivery and installation of the system
We provide a complete drone kit with a docking station. The dock is installed in a designated location, such as on the roof of a plant building, with connection to power and network infrastructure.Hardware upgrade and configuration
After installation, a software update of the drone and docking station is carried out, ensuring system compatibility, access to the latest features and a high level of security.Configuration of routes and alerts
The system is adapted to the realities of the facility - automatic patrol routes, flight altitude and temperature thresholds triggering alarms are defined.User training and implementation
Plant employees receive training in system operation, interpretation of thermal imaging data, and procedures for responding to alerts and emergencies.Operational tests and acceptance protocol
The final stage is to perform test flights and draw up an acceptance protocol, confirming the correct operation and readiness of the system for operation.
Additional benefits of having a drone on a municipal site
In addition to thermal imaging monitoring of bio-waste piles, the drone system can support the municipal plant in many other operational areas:
Protecting the facility from unauthorized access
The mere presence of the drone and the ability to record images act as a deterrent, reducing the risk of theft, vandalism or illegal waste dumping.Mapping and analysis of land changes
Regular photogrammetric raids make it possible to create up-to-date maps and 3D models of the site. This allows you to monitor changes in space utilization, plan new storage zones and make better use of the available area.Controlling the volume of waste heaps and piles
The drone makes it possible to precisely measure the volume of landfilled waste, which supports reporting, logistics planning and meeting environmental requirements.Inspection of the technical condition of infrastructure
With its RGB and thermal imaging camera, the drone can support inspections of buildings, fences, internal roads, installations and infrastructure components, allowing it to quickly detect damage, leaks or overheating components.
Summary
Use of a drone with a thermal imaging camera in combination with a docking station DJI Dock 3 enables automatic, cyclic monitoring of the entire municipal site and early detection of temperature anomalies, before an open fire occurs. A solution based on DJI Matrice 4TD not only increases the level of safety for workers and infrastructure, but also reduces costs associated with downtime and firefighting operations.
It's a single tool that can perform multiple operational tasks - from fire monitoring to facility security to mapping and technical inspections. The drone system represents a modern and forward-looking addition to the infrastructure of the municipal plant, in keeping with the idea of conscious, effective and responsible environmental management.
If you are interested in implementing such a solution at your facility, contact us. We will prepare an individual offer tailored to your needs.
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