Harnessing technology to strengthen security of winter power supply

As a new cold wave sweeps through, grid loads continue to rise, eliciting efforts to ensure a safe and reliable power supply during this critical phase. In Rizhao, Shandong province, a "warmth defense campaign" that integrates cutting-edge technology with steadfast frontline dedication is now in full swing.

With precise rotation, stripping, and installation... ground personnel keep a close eye on the control terminal screen, issuing commands as a new-generation dual-arm live-line working robot, mounted on an insulated aerial lift, seamlessly completes live-line tapping operations — all without any personnel needing to work at heights. Recently, at the training base of Rizhao Guangming Company, a training session focused on using robots to replace manual work in live-line disconnection and reconnection tasks on 10-kilovolt lines left frontline employees deeply impressed.

Smart Honeycomb Robotic Arm System of State Grid Rizhao Power Supply Company. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"In the past, such operations required technicians to wear heavy insulating gear and perform manual tasks at height, which was both labor-intensive and high-risk," said Wu Xingbang, a veteran employee participating in the training session. Now, operators only need to issue commands from the ground, and the robot can autonomously create real-time models and accurately complete high-altitude tasks that once required humans to perform at great risk. This is not just an upgrade in tools but also an evolution in supply assurance philosophy. Zheng Zechao, the training supervisor, said that the company has prioritized the introduction of live-line working robots capable of autonomously performing six types of routine operations. This allows humans to avoid direct contact with live equipment, eliminates personal safety risks, and allows for power maintenance to be carried out without shutdown during the harsh winter, ensuring a stable electricity supply for countless households.

Staff of State Grid Rizhao Power Supply Company operate a dual-arm robot to perform live-line disconnection on the 10 kV Zhaonan East Line. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Ensuring power supply involves not only frontline efforts but also robust backend support. Faced with potential emergency repairs triggered by the cold wave, the speed of material supply directly determines how quickly power can be restored. At the Shanghai Road Central Warehouse of State Grid Rizhao Power Supply Company, a quiet revolution has taken place. Hundreds of types of emergency repair materials, such as transformers and insulators, are now equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) electronic tags. Combined with an intelligent honeycomb robotic arm system and a four-way shuttle storage system, the warehouse — once reliant on manual inventory checks and handling — has transformed into an integrated platform for "one-click inventory management and intelligent dispatching".

"In the past, emergency dispatches required manual searching and handling, taking at least 40 minutes. Now, the system automatically identifies and locates items, while robotic arms precisely retrieve them, completing outbound processes within 18 minutes," said Gao Yuan, head of the warehouse team in the materials management department. The system can scan and inventory the entire warehouse within 10 minutes, improving efficiency by over 90 percent. Moreover, inventory checks do not disrupt operations, as robotic arms can simultaneously handle inbound and outbound tasks, ensuring that equipment management during winter emergencies is characterized by "locatability, swift dispatch, and reliable supply".

From the agile operations of dual-arm live-line working robots to the efficient flow of the smart warehouse, State Grid Rizhao is fully committed to managing peak winter demand and ensuring supply. Every kilowatt-hour of electricity is delivered safely and reliably to households, providing solid energy support for the stable operation of the economy and society, while ensuring people stay warm throughout the winter.