Drones And De Icing Robots Transform Power Line Safety In Anhui, China
The use of advanced drone technology and de icing robots has raised the efficiency of clearing ice from power lines to a new level in east China’s Anhui Province. As a result, power authorities can now respond faster to extreme weather while keeping maintenance crews safer.
Cold Wave Tests Mountain Power Network
Deep in the Dabie Mountains of Anhui, four major power transmission corridors support electricity supply across the Yangtze River Delta. Therefore, stable operation in this region remains essential for regional energy security.
Shortly before this year’s Spring Festival, a sudden cold wave swept through the mountains. Consequently, more than 20 inspection teams assembled at once and headed into the field to safeguard the holiday power supply.
Although the area rises only about 600 metres above sea level, rain, snow, humidity and freezing temperatures often combine to create heavy ice on transmission lines. Moreover, the rugged terrain prevents vehicles from reaching many sites. Inspection workers must carry equipment on foot and move carefully along slippery mountain paths.
Eventually, teams reached a high voltage tower that stood more than 60 metres tall and almost vanished into thick mist. Despite the low visibility, staff quickly began inspection work.
Drones Deliver Speed And Precision
A technician operated a drone to examine the tower from close range. Within five minutes, the drone captured more than 20 detailed images. Even in foggy conditions, the system maintained impressive accuracy.
When visibility drops further, teams switch to an autonomous inspection mode. In that case, the drone flies close to the tower independently and collects images of key components. It checks for ice or snow accumulation and sends photos instantly to a central system. There, a large artificial intelligence model annotates each image and flags potential defects within minutes.
By the evening, staff had gathered more than 400 photographs. Soon after, artificial intelligence identified all possible hazards in just five minutes. Consequently, teams could plan targeted maintenance without delay.
De Icing Robots Improve Safety
In addition to drones, crews now deploy de icing robots to remove ice from power lines. A drone lifts the robot into position, where it attaches to the ground wire. Operators then control it remotely from the ground.
The robot chips away at ice autonomously and clears a 20 metre section in about one minute. Previously, workers had to climb towers and strike the wires manually with rods, which exposed them to significant risk. Now, technology handles the most dangerous tasks while crews remain safely below.
Young Workforce Leads Innovation
At the inspection centre, many employees are under 30 years old. This new generation of power workers not only crosses mountains to build and maintain infrastructure, but also operates drones and artificial intelligence systems to manage intelligent dispatch.
They say they plan to sharpen their skills further and continue embracing innovation. As technology advances, they aim to move forward with it and strengthen the reliability of the region’s power network.
Inputs from Reuters.
