"Today, our task is to conduct a drone inspection on the 110 kilovolt Kuidun Line. We need to carefully check for possible component damages caused by low temperatures and problems that are not easy to detect during ground inspections, so as to ensure that there will be no problems with the line during the peak winter period." On Nov 22, the State Grid Kuitun Power Supply Company, aiming at promoting the implementation and landing of digitalization and intelligence as well as strengthening and improving standardization, carried out inspection works by using drones on the 110 kilovolt Kuidun Line. It firmly promoted the construction of "mechanization, digitalization and standardization" to help the high-quality development of the Kuitun power grid.
The company has been actively exploring the promotion and application of new construction methods and approaches, and has carried out the drone inspection work for the power grid's "meeting the peak load and getting through the winter" in an orderly manner. It has also conducted all-round and refined inspection work on the power lines within the power supply area. In addition, it has comprehensively checked key parts that are difficult to observe carefully during ground inspections, such as the line fittings, insulators and cotter pins in key connection parts. Through the infrared cameras mounted on drones, infrared temperature measurements are carried out on key connection parts of the lines at close range. In this way, hidden dangers that may affect the operation of the equipment can be discovered in a timely manner, ensuring that residents have no worries about electricity consumption and improving the healthy operation level of the power grid equipment.
In addition to manual flight operations, on-site staff can also realize the autonomous and intelligent inspection of drones according to the preset flight routes, line coordinate parameters and so on. The drones can automatically hover to take pictures of the power poles and towers, and the "one-key takeoff" function can be activated.
Meanwhile, the "Little Flying Man" electric lifting device is used to carry out live defect elimination work on the 220 kilovolt Jianquan No 1 Line.
The "Little Flying Man" electric lifting device is an innovative piece of equipment that combines drone technology with an electric lifting system, enabling precise operations in complex high-altitude environments. The "Little Flying Man" is electrically driven and can quickly lift people and objects to the corresponding positions of conductors. It features a small size, light weight, easy portability, built-in storage batteries and simple operation. Using it can greatly reduce the risks and complexities of live-line work and is a "good partner" for live-line work and high-altitude operations.
At the work site, staff climbed the power poles and towers to hang the insulating ropes properly and then connected the insulating ropes to the "Little Flying Man" electric lifting device. The electricians wearing shielding suits operated the "Little Flying Man" and slowly ascended to the designated height with the assistance of drones. After reaching the predetermined position, they entered the equipotential with the permission of the person in charge of the work and began to eliminate the defects on the conductor side. The whole operation process was intense yet orderly. Relying on their exquisite skills and tacit cooperation, the staff successfully eliminated the potential safety hazards on the high-voltage transmission lines.
Up until now, the company has used the "Little Flying Man" to eliminate defects on 110 kilovolt and 220 kilovolt transmission lines for up to 25 times. It has completed 572 drone inspection plans and inspected 43,958 power poles and towers, with a 100 percent plan implementation rate.
The company will continue to carry out the application of new technologies and achievements such as the "Little Flying Man" and drones, summarize experience and combine it with big data analysis. It will strive to build a more intelligent power grid operation and maintenance mode to ensure that the inspection of transmission lines is safer, of higher quality and more efficient, and further improve the level of safe operation and maintenance of power grid equipment within its jurisdiction.
