Suizhou, Hubei: Innovative Cooling Methods for Equipment Ensure Summer Power Supply

As the Suizhou meteorological observatory in Hubei province issued successive orange alerts for high temperatures, the urban area has experienced record-breaking electricity loads.

The 110 kV Shennong Substation, established in 2009, is responsible for supplying power to 30,000 households in Suizhou's urban center. With all its equipment housed indoors, the substation has a large footprint. During summer heatwaves, conventional air conditioning has proven insufficient. Compounded by limited ventilation, the equipment's heat dissipation has been ineffective.

In response, the State Grid Suizhou Power Supply Company has adopted a refined strategy for managing the load distribution of its main transformers, scientifically controlling their operational load rates to mitigate heat generation at the source. The company has also increased the frequency of special inspections by operations and maintenance (O&M) personnel. Advanced technologies, such as infrared thermometers and drone inspections, are being utilized to conduct precise temperature measurements of critical equipment components. This provides robust, real-time data to support and provide early warnings for the dynamic adjustment of cooling strategies.

Between July 16th and July 28th, O&M teams implemented physical cooling measures for the main transformer at the 110 kV Shennong Substation on two separate occasions. These methods, including ice cooling and the use of a water spray cooling system, have significantly accelerated the heat exchange rate between the transformer's interior and the external environment. This has resulted in a rapid and effective temperature reduction in the transformer's core components, yielding remarkable results.

Operations Staff Retrieve Ice to Cool Down 

Photo by Li Mengyao

Moving forward, the company will continue to closely monitor the operational status of its grid equipment and enhance both equipment health and emergency response capabilities, ensuring the safe, stable, and reliable operation of the power grid throughout the summer.

Ice Blocks Are Placed Under the Main Transformer's Heat Sinks to Absorb Heat, Achieving Rapid Cooling 

Photo by Li Mengyao