Tianjin Deploys UAVs to Protect UHV Power Line

[Xinhua/Li Ran]

The State Grid Corporation has deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to monitor the ultra-high voltage (UHV) power lines in Tianjin.

In Tianjin, the total length of UHV power lines, the “main artery” of the power grid, has reached 198.321 km, and is capable of transmitting 44 million kilowatts, making it one of the most important transmission channels of the State Grid Corporation of China.

[Xinhua/Li Ran]

Recently, at the click of a finger, three UAVs flew from their “nest” to carry out inspection tasks of the power infrastructure.

Prior to this, the dangerous work could only be done manually. Electricians had to trek over mountains and climb up towers and wires.

UAVs can pull a traction rope over the erection line, a much safer and more efficient substitute for electricians. They can also capture images of the line so that electricians can examine the photos and see if any maintenance or replacements are needed.

Their “nest" boasts integrated autonomous functions such as charging, mobilization, and storage. Operators only need to swipe the take-off interface, and the Nest automatically controls and launches UAVs to operate automatic line itinerant inspection. The Nest can send out three UAVs to implement different tasks and run several operations.

[Xinhua/Li Ran]

“This nest is modified by our daily inspection engineering vehicle. It is our innovative idea from its design to the vehicle modification,” said Huo Qingyue, a drone inspector of the State Grid Tianjin High Voltage Company.

“With the nest, a person can easily complete the inspection of transmission lines across railroads, highways and important power transmission channels in half an hour. The overall inspection efficiency can be increased by up to six times.”