Zhoushan, Zhejiang: Aerial support for power grid upgrades

A helicopter carrying power equipment flies over the offshore area of Qingbang Island in Zhoushan, conducting an aerial hoisting operation for heavy power equipment of the island distribution network. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

An aerial lifting operation for island distribution networks was carried out on Qingbang Island in Dongji town, Putuo district, Zhoushan, on June 2.

State Grid Zhoushan Power Supply Company, in collaboration with State Grid Electric Power Space Technology Company, adopted a coordinated model involving sea, land and air to airlift four heavy-duty electrical equipment units to their designated work sites, resolving the "last mile" challenge in power-related construction on remote islands and laying a solid foundation for the dual-circuit power supply upgrade project on Qingbang Island

Qingbang Island is located in the eastern part of the Zhoushan Archipelago, where the narrowest roads on the island measure just one meter wide, with steep slopes and hazardous conditions that prevent access to large construction vehicles and machinery. For a long time, the transportation of electrical equipment relied solely on manual labor, resulting in low efficiency and making it impossible to move in certain heavy equipment.

To ensure the progress of the dual-circuit power supply upgrade project, an innovative helicopter lifting solution was adopted: all equipment was first loaded onto trucks at the Zhujiajian base, transported to Xiaogan Island Wharf, then transferred by vessel to the landing craft wharf on Qingbang Island. The helicopter flew from Zhujiajian Airport to the lifting site and completed the aerial installation of three 1.5-metric ton transformers and one 2.98-ton ring main unit cabinet. The entire operation took only two hours, reducing a transportation process that traditionally required nearly a week and boosting construction efficiency by several orders of magnitude.

At the operation site, flight crew members precisely maneuvered the helicopter through a series of operations including hovering, loading, lifting, and placement, while the ground team coordinated closely in a well-orchestrated joint effort. The entire process was safe, efficient, and conducted in strict accordance with protocols. Qingbang Island's unique geographical conditions make it impossible for traditional transportation methods to meet the requirements for moving heavy electrical equipment on-site.

This helicopter lifting operation is not only safe and efficient but also fills a technical gap in aerial transportation for island distribution networks in China," stated the project manager while on site. This operation overcame common challenges in the construction of power infrastructure on narrow islands, providing replicable and scalable practical experience for similar remote island grid upgrades nationwide.

The helicopter lifting operation represents another innovative breakthrough for the "Guojiao No 1" national marine power transmission technology brand in the field of island power grid construction.

Moving forward, State Grid Zhoushan will accelerate the dual-circuit power supply upgrade on Qingbang Island. Upon commissioning, the system will enable mutual backup between two power sources and maintenance without service interruption, enhancing the reliability of the island's power supply and ensuring the electricity needs of residents, homestay businesses, and the tourism industry are met.