AI dispatcher streamlines auto-reclosing checks for State Grid Suqian

State Grid Suqian Power Supply Company has launched an application called AI Dispatcher to improve the efficiency and accuracy of distribution network dispatches.

Dispatcher Zhai Xinyi started the application on her office computer on Oct 20. Within 10 minutes, it automatically generated and returned a report verifying the auto-reclosing status of 404 distribution lines in operation.

Previously, dispatchers had to check each line manually before the end of their shift; now the system runs the checks automatically and staff just need to review the results.

In Siyang county, about 20 to 30 distribution lines require auto-reclosing functions to be deactivated and reactivated daily. This frequent operation made it easy to miss restorations before shift changes, making it hard to ensure that all the auto-reclosers were properly engaged. Manual verification took 45 to 60 minutes per round, and fatigue or high pressure often led to omissions or errors.

To solve this issue, the company developed the AI dispatcher through a smart platform. The application only monitors and simulates operations and has no actual dispatch control authority. Using a self-developed function to automatically verify the status of auto-reclosing soft pressure plates, it is triggered at fixed times each day, quickly identifies inconsistent lines, and produces detailed reports for dispatchers.

Since its launch on Oct 8, the AI dispatcher has completed 35 automatic checks and detected and corrected nine abnormal auto-reclosing statuses.

The accuracy rate when ensuring all auto-reclosers are correctly activated has risen from 90 percent to 100 percent, effectively reducing the risk of momentary outages caused by improper auto-recloser management. Frontline staff have reported lower workloads and improved efficiency.