A deep freeze has gripped southern China, coating over 200 power lines with ice and threatening widespread outages. But thanks to cutting-edge technology, the Southern Power Grid Corporation is fighting back, keeping the lights on for millions.
As of February 8th, 212 transmission lines (35 kV and above) were affected, primarily in the mountainous regions of Yunnan and Guizhou provinces. The Southern Power Grid Corporation activated its emergency response, leveraging digital tools and high-tech equipment to tackle the icy challenge.
Digital Defense Against the Freeze
The company's command centers are using online monitoring systems to keep a close watch on the ice buildup. This real-time data allows them to quickly identify trouble spots and dispatch crews where they're needed most.
"We can see exactly how much ice is on the lines and how quickly it's accumulating," says a spokesperson for the Southern Power Grid Corporation. "This allows us to take targeted action and prevent major disruptions."
Drones and De-icing Devices: A High-Tech Arsenal
In addition to online monitoring, the power company is using drones to patrol lines in remote areas. These aerial scouts provide a bird's-eye view of the situation, helping crews identify and prioritize problem areas.
And when the ice gets too thick, the company deploys its secret weapon: de-icing devices. These innovative tools melt the ice quickly and efficiently, preventing lines from snapping under the weight.
Efficiency in Action
"Our crews no longer have to run back and forth between the de-icing sites and the substations," explains Li Yanjie, a control center manager with the Guangxi Guilin Power Supply Bureau. "Now, they can control the de-icing process from a computer or even a mobile app. This has dramatically improved our efficiency."
A Decade of Innovation
Since 2009, the Southern Power Grid Corporation has been investing in ice-monitoring and removal technology. Their "online monitoring combined with manual inspection" system has become a model for other power companies around the world.
Thanks to this commitment to innovation, the people of southern China can rest assured that their power supply is in good hands, even in the face of a fierce winter storm.
