Jinchang’s Groundbreaking Technological Leap

In a remarkable feat on July 25, 2025, the Jinchang Power Grid made headlines by achieving the unprecedented "zero-power-outage" replacement of protection devices on a 10 kV line, heralding a new era of efficiency in power distribution. The Longkou Substation control room erupted with relief as the monitoring screen confirmed: "No fluctuation in telemetry data, zero abnormal alarm signals." This technological breakthrough redefines the future of intelligent distribution networks.

From Power Outage to Live-Line Operation

Traditionally, replacing protection devices in a power grid is akin to undergoing heart surgery—a process that requires substantial downtime, leading to disruptions in business operations and residents' daily lives. However, Jinchang Power Grid has shifted this paradigm through two pivotal innovations: "full-process imperceptibility" and "full-protection parallel operation." Zhao Jixian, the project leader, articulated this transformation as a crucial transition from conventional power outage methods to state-of-the-art live-line operations.

Learning from the Best to Achieve the Best

To break new ground, the Secondary Maintenance Team of the Jinchang Power Supply Company drew inspiration from successful strategies used in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia. They devised a robust plan that integrated local non-power-outage protection methods. By simulating operations in a controlled environment—known as "sand table rehearsals"—the team meticulously practiced device configurations and channel switching in time-sensitive scenarios, ensuring that their live operations were seamless and risk-free.

Precision Planning and Execution

The team’s meticulous planning covered every intricate detail, from placing devices precisely 0.5 meters away from old cabinets to ensuring cables did not obstruct fire safety routes. Addressing compatibility challenges between the old and new devices involved the innovative modification of communication protocols, fostering effective interactions among both generations of equipment.

Safety First: Reducing Risks with Rigorous Protocols

Leading up to the transformation, the team engaged in comprehensive operational simulations that reiterated safety protocols. Zhang Wenfei, deputy monitor of the Substation Operation Team, ensured every wire was double-checked to maintain a "zero error" rate in the 16 secondary circuits, reinforcing safety measures as the ultimate priority.

Setting a New Benchmark for Power Distribution

With this groundbreaking project, Jinchang Power Supply Company has not only mastered cutting-edge techniques like "hot swapping" of protection devices but also pioneered invisible channel switching. This innovative technology will soon be deployed to older lines citywide, promising to slash power outages by over 500 hours each year, elevating the reliability of the distribution network to new heights.