State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power Adopts 'Drone + Little Flyer' to Empower Grid Maintenance

In the springtime, as nature awakens and everything comes back to life, the symphony of spring begins with the sound of inspection.

This month, the annual overhaul of the ±800 kV Ordos-Linyi Transmission Line (Shaanxi section) was successfully completed. Notably, this marks the inaugural comprehensive inspection site for an ultra-high voltage cross-regional direct current transmission line within Shaanxi Province in the first half of this year.

During the maintenance process, power workers utilized a combination of "drones with hanging trolleys" and an electric lifter known as the "little flyer" to eliminate defects.

At the maintenance site, guided by a skilled drone pilot, the drone carrying two insulated ropes precisely arrived above the transmission lines. Once the rope release switch was activated, the insulated ropes were accurately deployed to the designated points on the transmission lines.

Subsequently, ground crew members ingeniously pulled two required ropes for the electric lifter "little flyer" over the transmission lines to the ground using a method called "small rope pulling big rope."

Power workers employing the "little flyer" for line maintenance

With everything set, a power worker quickly entered the site and hopped onto the "little flyer." With a single press of a button, he effortlessly ascended to the work area, efficiently and accurately handling any foreign objects or issues.

This innovative approach is just one of the measures taken by State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power Company Limited ("State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power") during its spring inspections. Additionally, the company employs other magic tools such as live-line working robots, integrated pole-setting machines, and mini spider cranes, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the power grid.

Technology empowers the spring grid inspection. State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power will continue to explore new equipment, scenarios, and technology applications by leveraging technological breakthroughs, and promote digital intelligence and mechanization in construction. The company is sparing no effort to complete various spring inspections, laying a solid foundation for the grid to meet the peak demand of summer.