Grid in Jinchang Maintains Uninterrupted Service
Jinchang Power Grid Achieves "Zero-Power-Outage" Protection Device Replacement
Jinchang Power Grid has made a significant breakthrough in the transformation of intelligent distribution networks with the successful completion of a "live-line operation" for protection device replacement on a 10 kV line. This groundbreaking achievement, first of its kind in the Longkou Substation, minimises power outages and sets a new benchmark for distribution network modernization [1].
The live-line operation involves two core aspects: "full-process imperceptibility" and "full-protection parallel operation". By conducting the operation so seamlessly that telemetry data remain stable and no abnormal alarms occur, the team ensures continuous power quality and system stability throughout the procedure. The new protection devices run in parallel with existing ones to avoid any protection gaps during transition, thereby minimising risks of equipment failure or service interruption [1].
To further enhance safety and efficiency, the team rehearsed the entire procedure multiple times with "sand table" drills to anticipate and mitigate risks such as protection refusal or misoperation. Each simulation in the sand table drills adds a layer of security for actual operations [1].
This innovative approach eliminates the need for power outages during protection device upgrades, thereby sustaining continuous power delivery to businesses and residents. By reducing power outages by more than 500 hours annually, the Longkou Substation transformation technology is expected to significantly improve power reliability and user experience [1].
The Jinchang Power Grid team has mastered cutting-edge skills such as "hot swapping" of protection devices and imperceptible channel switching. They have also formulated a detailed plan for the transformation, including specific placements of devices and cable routing to avoid fire-fighting passages.
The success of this project has led Jinchang Power Supply Company to form mature and promotable experience. The Secondary Maintenance Team of the Substation Operation and Inspection Center has even travelled to Qitai in Xinjiang and Ordos in Inner Mongolia to learn from local experience.
This breakthrough by Jinchang Power Grid has the potential to revolutionise the way protection devices are replaced in power distribution networks. By reducing the disruption caused by traditional protection device replacement, this live-line operation represents a key step towards a "high-reliability distribution network" [1].
[1] Source: Zhao Jixian, the person in charge of the relevant work, described this as a key leap from 'power-outage transformation' to 'live-line operation'. The Longkou Substation transformation technology will be promoted to old lines across the city. The innovation of Jinchang Power Grid involves these two core aspects: "full-process imperceptibility" and "full-protection parallel operation". The promotion of the Longkou Substation technology is expected to reduce power outages by more than 500 hours annually. They developed the "sand table rehearsal + platform transfer" plan, which includes rehearsing key actions during short power outage maintenance intervals and conducting sand table drills for risks of protection refusal and misoperation. The team addressed the challenge of parallel compatibility between old and new devices by modifying communication protocols and isolating control circuits. Before the transformation, a 1:1 operation simulation and 12 special briefings on risk points were conducted for every link.
Science and technology play crucial roles in the success of Jinchang Power Grid's "Zero-Power-Outage" protection device replacement, as cutting-edge skills like "hot swapping" of protection devices and imperceptible channel switching are employed. Furthermore, the innovation of live-line operation, involving "full-process imperceptibility" and "full-protection parallel operation," represents a significant advancement in science and technology for power distribution networks, potentially revolutionizing the industry.