China completed its first large-scale satellite inspection of backbone power grid transmission channels in Jiangsu province on Oct 17.
The inspection, which covered over 270 transmission lines of more than 500 kilovolt, spanning more than 15,000 kilometers, significantly boosted the efficiency of grid maintenance and disaster prevention efforts, according to the State Grid Company in Jiangsu province.
The backbone grid, which primarily consists of ultra-high voltage (UHV) lines, plays a critical role in transmitting electricity across regions. Regular inspections are essential for ensuring the grid's safe and stable operation, a key factor in supporting the country's economic and social development.
The use of Jilin-1 Gaofen satellites during the inspection allowed for the identification and analysis of potential risks through high-resolution remote sensing imagery, marking a breakthrough in grid management.
More than 400 potential risks were detected, and management orders were issued to staff for further on-site inspections. The process proved to be over ten times more efficient than manual inspections, providing a strong foundation for the upcoming winter power peak.
"We have independently developed a specialized satellite inspection hazard identification system and trained big data models tailored to the backbone grid, enabling precise recognition of transmission channels from satellite images," said Wu Qiang, deputy director of the equipment department at State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power.
The satellite system also enhances real-time emergency responses during extreme weather events, allowing workers to assess post-disaster conditions within 30 minutes.
Zhu Sidi contributed to this story.
