State Grid Zhenjiang Power Supply Company uses drone-based flaw detection to advance intelligent transformation of grid inspections

State Grid Zhenjiang Power Supply Company recently began researching and applying non-destructive testing technology for transmission lines based on drone collaboration. By adopting a model of aerial operation combined with ground analysis, it aims to overcome challenges in detecting internal defects in traditional transmission equipment. This marks a critical step forward in the intelligent transformation of local grid operations and maintenance, making them increasingly contact-free, precise, and efficient.

According to a technical lead from the company's operation and inspection center, previous inspection of key transmission line components required manual tower climbing and the deployment of heavy equipment. Each task required at least five workers, with an average detection time of 50 minutes per component. This approach was not only inefficient but also posed risks such as falls from height, radiation exposure, and electric shock. Power outages for inspection also affected residential and industrial electricity users, and operations were difficult to carry out in severe weather.

The new drone-based flaw detection technology acts like an "intelligent doctor" for the grid: heavy-lift drones transport inspection-equipped robots to transmission lines. The robots then move autonomously along the conductors to target locations, emitting X-rays to capture internal images and transmitting the data to the ground. This method allows for the identification of hidden defects as small as 0.5 millimeters, significantly improving accuracy compared to traditional methods. Moreover, it requires no power outages, reduces inspection time to just eight minutes per component, cuts manpower needs by 70 percent, and lowers operational costs by 30 percent. While greatly improving efficiency, the technology also eliminates the risks associated with high-altitude work.

Currently, the project team is conducting further adaptation tests on 110-kilovolt to 220-kilovolt transmission lines, tackling challenges such as precise positioning and data transmission under complex working conditions. In the next phase, State Grid Zhenjiang Power Supply Company will promote the large-scale application of this technology on "three-crossing" lines (crossing railways, highways, and rivers) and power supply lines in industrial parks. The goal is to build an intelligent, full-lifecycle operation and maintenance chain for power equipment, ensuring grid safety and reliable power supply for both enterprises and residents.