State Grid Hubei Transmission and Transformation Co., Ltd.: Flying De-icing Robot "Eats Ice" at 100 Meters

Recently, a severe cold wave caused heavy ice accretion on the ±800 kV Shaanbei–Wuhan DC Ultra-High Voltage (UHV) transmission line at Niujishan in Suizhou, Hubei Province. To ensure the stable operation of the power grid under low-temperature conditions, State Grid Hubei Transmission and Transformation Engineering Co., Ltd. deployed an over-11-meter-long, 5-ton "Python" all-terrain tracked vehicle. Navigating through slippery mountain roads covered in ice, the vehicle safely transported an intelligent flying de-icing robot and two operators to a tower position at the mountain summit.

The 11-meter-long, 5-ton "Python" all-terrain tracked vehicle of State Grid Hubei Transmission and Transformation Co., Ltd., steadily loaded with the flying de-icing robot, emergency repair tools, and daily supplies, advances toward Tower No. 1898 of the ±800 kV Shaanbei–Wuhan line. 

Photo by Wang Yunlong

Operation and maintenance personnel from State Grid Hubei Transmission and Transformation Co., Ltd. operate the intelligent de-icing robot to perform de-icing work on the ±800 kV Shaanbei–Wuhan line. 

Photo by Zou Xiaomin

An intelligent flying de-icing robot performs de-icing operations on the iced ground wires of the ±800 kV Shaanbei–Wuhan line. 

Photo by Zou Xiaomin

The flying robot landed precisely on the iced line and initiated a dual "vibration + blade" de-icing mode. Using high-frequency vibrations to loosen the ice and rotating blades to strip it away, it cleared heavy ice from the ground wire between two towers in just two hours. This represents a 60% efficiency gain over manual installation of vibration de-icing devices. This synergy of technology and human expertise forms a protective shield, keeping the power grid safe through wind and snow.