State Grid Zhenjiang Power Supply Company utilizes 'spider crane' to guarantee power supply in summer

On June 10, inside the 110 kilovolt Shagang Substation in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province, a special orange-colored equipment resembling a mechanical spider quietly unfolded its legs. As the crane arm precisely maneuvered into the narrow gap like a spider's silk, the main transformer bushing, weighing hundreds of kilograms, was steadily lifted away. This marked the first time that the State Grid Zhenjiang Power Supply Company had utilized the "spider crane" to replace large equipment in confined spaces.

Traditional cranes have limited operating conditions in narrow equipment areas of substations due to their large size and cumbersome maneuverability. Compared to traditional cranes, the new "spider crane" reduces its size by 70 percent, making it more suitable for operations within confined spaces. Additionally, its remote control function allows technicians to operate it from a safe distance of 20 meters, avoiding the safety risks of restricted zones under the lifting arm in traditional lifting operations. "With this crane, we can achieve more precise control and better ensure the safety of the operators," said a project manager of State Grid Zhenjiang Power Supply Company.

Furthermore, the replacement of bushings requires millimeter-level alignment accuracy. The "spider crane" utilizes a level to calibrate in real-time, ensuring that the tilt accuracy is strictly controlled within 0.5 percent, making the crane arm stable in high altitudes. According to statistics, since the equipment was put into use in early June, the lifting operation time has been reduced by nearly 50 percent compared to traditional equipment, effectively shortening the duration of power outage maintenance. Additionally, it significantly reduces the potential impact of operations in dense urban substation areas on the surrounding environment and residents' lives, laying a foundation for summer power supply.