Shandong Laiwu: 'Smart operations and maintenance' strengthens warm line of defense for reliable power supply

Along the lakeside corridor of the Xueye Lake tourist area in Laiwu district, Jinan, Shandong province, on Dec 15, an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with high-definition visible-light and infrared dual-spectrum cameras conducted an autonomous inspection of the 110-kilovolt Wenyou Transmission Line along a pre-programmed route. Through real-time video transmission, backend technicians were able to closely monitor key components such as insulators, hardware fittings, and transmission towers, while infrared thermal imaging effectively detected potential overheating risks. "In the past, inspecting this mountainous line manually would take an entire day," said a drone operator from the Transmission Operation and Maintenance Center of State Grid Laiwu Power Supply Company. "Now, a single drone flight can complete the task in about 30 minutes, offering wider coverage and more precise data."

Situated in the mountainous region of central Shandong, Laiwu faces significant challenges and safety risks in winter transmission line inspections, making the guarantee of heating and power supply a persistent concern. As the peak period for winter heating and electricity demand approaches and loads continue to rise, State Grid Laiwu has moved proactively, rather than waiting for severe cold weather to set in. By leveraging digital and intelligent technologies, the company has further advanced the application of its smart operations and maintenance system, deeply integrating cutting-edge digital tools with traditional power grid operation and maintenance practices. These measures are designed to comprehensively strengthen the grid's resilience against winter-related risks and enhance the reliability and quality of power supply services, creating a "warm line of defense" to ensure safe and stable electricity use for the public.

The company has deployed artificial intelligence-based load forecasting models that incorporate a wide range of variables, including historical electricity consumption data, temperature fluctuations, and residents' heating start-and-stop patterns. These models enable accurate forecasts of regional grid loads up to 72 hours in advance. "By identifying in advance which areas and which transmission lines are likely to face heavy overload risks, we can scientifically optimize operating modes and implement load transfers or capacity expansion measures ahead of time," said a staff member from the company's dispatching and control center. "This allows us to move from passive response to proactive intervention."

To mitigate winter risks affecting transmission lines that are susceptible to rain, snow, and icing, State Grid Laiwu has actively promoted three-dimensional intelligent inspection models, including the integrated application of autonomous drone inspections and intelligent robot-based partial discharge detection. Distributed fault diagnosis devices, online monitoring systems, and other intelligent sensing terminals have been deployed in advance. Acting as the grid's eyes and ears, these systems provide continuous monitoring of critical parameters such as conductor icing, sag variations, and joint temperatures. When abnormal readings approach preset thresholds, the system automatically triggers alarms and pinpoints fault locations, enabling operation and maintenance personnel to obtain early warnings and secure valuable time for the rapid handling of faults. The 220 kV Pengquan Substation is the company's first intelligent inspection substation. Intelligent inspection robots travel smoothly along designated routes, while sensors mounted on robotic arms conduct partial discharge testing and infrared temperature measurements on key equipment, including switchgear and transformers. Inspection data are automatically transmitted to the intelligent operation and maintenance management platform. Together with fixed video surveillance systems within the substation, this forms a three-dimensional monitoring network that integrates mobile and fixed inspection capabilities, achieving round-the-clock, blind-spot-free equipment monitoring. The system significantly reduces the workload, exposure, and safety risks faced by operation and maintenance personnel working outdoors in extreme winter conditions.

Rapid power restoration after a fault is considered the "last mile" in ensuring a warm and reliable winter for the public. To achieve this, State Grid Laiwu has integrated its power supply service command system, distribution automation system, and mobile operation terminals, creating a rapid-response mechanism that links a centralized "smart brain" with flexible, on-site "agile terminals". When a fault occurs on a distribution line, the distribution automation system can identify the faulty section within seconds and remotely operate pole-mounted switches through preset control logic. This enables second-level self-healing for unaffected sections of the network, significantly narrowing the scope of outages. Meanwhile, fault data and analytical results are simultaneously delivered via digital platforms such as State Grid to the power supply service command center, relevant repair teams, and the mobile devices of customer managers at local power supply offices, ensuring information is shared instantly and transparently. Before heading to the site, repair teams use mobile terminals to conduct preliminary fault assessments, review records of historical defects, identify optimal travel routes, and prepare lists of required spare parts and materials. This digital pre-planning greatly improves response efficiency and shortens repair times. At the community and village level, transformer area managers take advantage of grid-based service mechanisms to proactively communicate with affected customers through channels such as WeChat service groups. By promptly sharing fault updates, estimated restoration times, and electricity safety reminders, they help ease customer concerns and foster understanding and cooperation during outage recovery efforts.