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Digitalization helps build smart distribution network

chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: Sep 29, 2024

Recently, State Grid Huzhou Power Supply Company launched a new digital cable model and unveiled an organic renewal cable inspection campaign in Anji county, Zhejiang province, enhancing the comprehensive management of rural distribution network cable channels.

"Cables are usually underground. When a fault occurs, it is difficult to locate the fault point quickly. Now we have a new system platform that compares fault data with cable identification automatically and can find the fault point and carry out maintenance work quickly," said Li Kemin, an operations and maintenance personnel.

With the rapid development of urban construction, the scale of distribution network cable lines is increasing day by day. As of now, State Grid Huzhou Power Supply Company has built more than 1,200 kilometers of 10kV cables in the local area, with a cable conversion rate of 30 percent. However, because the cable is laid underground, it is inconvenient to find faults, conduct daily operation and maintenance, and prevent external damage. The rapid change of urban roads, the easy interference of electromagnetic wave signals, and the difficulty of urban excavation make the operation and maintenance of cable channels and equipment extremely difficult. Faced with this situation, State Grid Huzhou Power Supply Company has carried out digital management to help cable operation and maintenance and build a modern smart distribution network.

Based on the principle of "consistency between graphics and reality, dynamic updates", the technicians configure RFID low-frequency electronic tags for each cable equipment and channel, which is equivalent to issuing unique ID cards for cables and wells, and updating tag data to the Homologous Maintenance Suite Platform. When a fault occurs, the platform can quickly locate the cable path channel and location information through "RFID+PDA" technology, which effectively improves the timeliness of the technicians.

State Grid Huzhou Power Supply Company utilizes digital means to carry out comprehensive environmental management of cables and accessories. By fully utilizing the analysis of cable equipment information within the platform, the company has addressed issues such as abnormal cable manhole covers, aging cable joints, and inadequate sealing of cable conduit holes. The company has evaluated the health status and estimated lifespan of electrical equipment and arranged a reasonable maintenance and measurement plan for the insulation performance of distribution cables. Since the beginning of this year, the company has conducted a total of 35 cable insulation tests, discovered and handled 10 cases of cable insulation defects, and ensured the safe and reliable operation environment of cables.