Wuhan, Hubei: "Building Green Power Grids Through 'Biomimetic + Intelligence'"

Recently, at a utility pole along the 10kV Tantou Fishing Ground branch line in Shamao Street, Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone, Zhang Baoya, a maintenance technician from State Grid Wuhan Power Supply Company’s Inspection Team 1, climbed a ladder and mounted a life-sized “owl” replica onto the crossarm using a 5-meter insulated rod.

This lifelike "owl," complete with a bobbing head, glowing eyes, and remarkably realistic features, is the new type of bionic bird deterrent newly applied by State Grid Wuhan Power Supply Company.

"Owl" New Bionic Bird Deterrent

Photo by State Grid Wuhan Power Supply Company

"Bird droppings and materials carried by birds when building nests can easily lead to short circuits of power supply lines, which not only threatens the safety of power supply, but also causes birds to be electrocuted," said Li Peng, the head of the operation and maintenance work area of the State Grid Wuhan Power Supply Company. "This year, a new type of bird deterrent with bionic functions was innovatively introduced. This bird deterrent uses strong magnetism to attach to the power towers, and uses the appearance of the owl to expel the birds. The built-in distance sensor emits infrared rays and raptor-like sounds when birds approach. After using the new type of bird deterrent, manpower and material resources are saved by 50%."

Installation of the "Owl" New Bionic Bird Deterrent

Photo by State Grid Wuhan Power Supply Company

At present, the State Grid Wuhan Power Supply Company has installed more than 50 new bird deterrents in key areas according to the distribution of birds. In the next step, it will expand the coverage according to the hidden dangers of bird nests. While practicing the concept of green development and balancing the relationship between humans and nature, they will ensure the safe and stable operation of the power grid.