Kaifeng, Henan: Drone Patrols Enhance Winter Power Grid Maintenance Efficiency

Recently, the State Grid Kaifeng Power Supply Company deployed drone inspection technology to patrol the 35 kV Chengang Line within its jurisdiction. During the inspection, two potential hazards were detected and promptly addressed by the maintenance team. The timely identification and handling of these issues have provided strong support for ensuring the stable operation of the power grid in Kaifeng’s Xiangfu District during the winter season.

Since adopting drones for line inspections, the Company has been able to conduct monthly patrols of 20 different 35 kV transmission lines, covering a total length of 210 kilometers. Equipped with high-definition cameras and infrared thermal imaging devices, the drones can capture equipment details from multiple angles and close range, accurately identifying issues such as loose conductors, corroded hardware, cracked insulators, and ice or snow accumulation. The thermal imaging capability can filter out environmental interference and monitor abnormal equipment temperatures in real time, enabling early detection and timely resolution of potential hazards before they escalate.

The use of drone inspection technology not only reduces the workload of maintenance personnel but also significantly improves the precision of grid inspections and the timeliness of hazard mitigation. It provides a solid technical foundation for ensuring reliable power supply during peak winter electricity demand.