De-icing Robots Safeguard Power Grid Safety

A power transmission team meeting at State Grid Suixian Power Supply Company

Photo by Bao Yiyu

Recently, at the 35 kV Tubai Line in the Dahongshan Scenic Area of Suixian County, Suizhou City, Yi Nengzhi, head of the transmission team at State Grid Suixian Power Supply Company, kept a close watch on the transmission lines as he directed a drone to carry out the installation of a de-icing robot.

Staff members direct a drone during the installation operation

Photo by Bao Yiyu

The yellow robot installed on site is equipped with high-definition cameras and temperature and humidity sensors. Once ice accumulation reaches a preset threshold, it automatically activates its de-icing mode. Using a rolling and crushing method, the robot can efficiently remove ice with a removal rate of more than 95 percent and handle ice layers up to 30 millimeters thick.

The de-icing robot installation site

Photo by Bao Yiyu

The robot features wireless communication capabilities, relying on nearby signal towers to ensure stable connectivity. Operations and maintenance personnel can remotely monitor its location, battery level, and operating status via a backend system, and manually issue commands when needed. The robot also demonstrates strong wind resistance, allowing it to operate stably even under Force 8 winds and during conductor galloping.

Currently, State Grid Suixian Power Supply Company is accelerating the development of an intelligent operation and maintenance system for transmission lines. The deployment of the de-icing robot represents an important technological measure to ensure the safe and stable operation of the power grid during winter. Moving forward, the company will closely monitor weather conditions and equipment performance, leveraging technological de-icing solutions to ensure a safe and reliable power supply so that residents can enjoy a warm and well-lit winter.