The Problem
DHN leaks are difficult to detect—especially small, hidden faults under private or inaccessible land. Losses cost Enviroenergy an estimated £150,000 in 2018, with undetected leaks wasting up to 12 m³ of water per day. Traditional ground-based thermal surveys couldn’t provide full coverage quickly or safely.
The Solution
StirlingX combined advanced mission planning, thermal drone technology, and specialist analysis to deliver accurate, actionable data. Using automated flight routes(linear + grid patterns) and multiple Take-Off and Landing Sites across Nottingham, we captured 290 ha of thermal data over two nights. The imagery wasprocessed into a thermal orthomap with geo-located anomaly reporting, accessible via Drone Systems’ Teraplan platform. This allowed Enviroenergy to identify and categorise leaks to within 20–30 cm accuracy—prioritising repairs and improving network efficiency.
Outcomes
- Full citywide thermal survey completed in 48 hours
- Geo-located anomaly detection for faster, targeted maintenance
- Significant potential cost savings and reduced heat loss across the network
Result: Safer, smarter fault detection and improved system performance without disruptive or costly ground inspections
