State Grid Zhenjiang Power Supply Company innovates and upgrades operating tools to ensure winter electricity safety

At the maintenance site of a 10-kilovolt capacitor in the 35-kV Gecun Substation on Jan 5, staff from State Grid Zhenjiang Power Supply Company innovatively employed an upgraded switch handcart operating handle — a handle equipped with a torque display device. With this new tool, staff were able to successfully complete the switchover operation, smoothly pulling the switch handcart from the working position to the testing position and then accurately moving it to the maintenance position. This not only ensured maintenance safety but also contributed to a stable power supply during the winter peak for electricity usage.

At the critical period for managing winter electricity demand peaks, grid equipment maintenance tasks are numerous, and operational precision requirements are high. In response, State Grid Zhenjiang has integrated torque display devices into the operating handles. This device can display the force applied when rotating the handle in real-time, transforming operations that previously relied solely on "feel" into concrete numerical data. Moreover, it does not alter the original safety locking structure of the handcart, preserving the equipment's inherent safety while clearly indicating whether the handcart has been pushed to the correct position. This addresses past issues where operators, relying only on experience, might misposition the handcart or damage components by applying excessive force. It has made operations more accurate and standardized.

"During the critical winter electricity period, every maintenance task must be handled meticulously. Previously, pushing the handcart required workers to rely entirely on instinct, and newcomers had to practice extensively to become proficient," said the on-site supervisor. "Now, with this display, we can see from the numbers whether the handcart is properly positioned. It not only prevents equipment damage and avoids safety hazards like poor contact but also allows newcomers to operate independently in as little as half an hour. Maintenance is now both faster and safer."

According to reports, the new device has been trialed during winter maintenance at three local substations. Each handcart push-pull operation has been shortened by an average of 30 percent, and issues related to improper handcart positioning have been completely eliminated, significantly reducing the time needed to fix power outages. This innovation not only facilitates smooth check-ups and repairs for grid equipment but also strengthens the foundation for stable grid operation during winter, safeguarding the power supply for industrial production and home heating throughout the cold season.