Shaoxing zero‑carbon switching station project put into operation

The 20‑kilovolt Huabin Switching Station in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, was officially put into operation on Sept 7. As a pioneering demonstration project following the release of Guidelines for the Design and Evaluation of Zero‑Carbon Switching Stations by the Zhejiang Electric Power Industry Association, the station was constructed and commissioned in strict accordance with the new standards. This marks a new phase for the development of zero‑carbon switching stations, shifting from isolated pilot projects to a model with well‑defined standards and measurable evaluation criteria.

Upon the station’s commissioning, its 18.75‑kilowatt rooftop photovoltaic array was connected to the grid to generate electricity. The power produced supplies on‑site equipment including air‑conditioners, fans and lighting systems. A supporting 13‑kW/32‑kWh energy‑storage system discharges power when photovoltaic output fluctuates or on rainy overcast days, enhancing the stable supply of green electricity.

The station can meet its own electricity needs with renewable energy generated on-site, reducing carbon emissions by over eight metric tons per year. Green and low‑carbon concepts are also reflected in construction details. New paint‑free, high‑recyclability self‑supporting aluminum‑alloy cable supports have replaced conventional angle‑steel brackets. Modular assembly technology eliminates on‑site cross‑brace welding. This measure cuts volatile organic compound emissions, facilitates full‑life‑cycle recycling of materials, and shortens the construction period by nearly 15 percent.

In addition, ring‑main units inside the station are equipped with bushing temperature measurement, partial‑discharge online monitoring and gas‑pressure sensing units. A power‑security‑oriented intelligent environmental monitoring system keeps round‑the‑clock surveillance over indoor smoke, temperature‑humidity, cable‑well water level and other conditions. This allows for the real‑time monitoring of core equipment‑operation data and key indoor‑environment parameters, easing the on‑site operation and maintenance workload.

The completion and commissioning of this station provide practical support for the implementation of the Guidelines for the Design and Evaluation of Zero‑Carbon Switching Stations. Shaoxing will continue to share its construction and operation‑maintenance experience for zero‑carbon switching stations and advance the green and intelligent transformation of the distribution network.