LANZHOU, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Electricty workers in northwest China's Gansu Province have used a drone and an electric lifting device to conduct speedy repairs on a live power-transmission line, representing a breakthrough in power-line repairs.
The repair team conducted the operation on an ultra-high voltage power line in the city of Wuwei Wednesday.
During a previous drone inspection, the workers had discovered that a bolt had come loose from one of the pylons. If not fixed properly, the issue could have caused severe damage to the entire line.
The team, from the State Grid Gansu Electric Power Company, used a drone to lift up and then suspend some insulated cables from the power lines.
An operator, wearing an insulated suit specifically designed for the high-voltage environment, then attached a small electric lifting device to a cable and began his ascent. Once in position high above the ground, he spent about half an hour conducting the repair.
In the past, an operation of this sort would have been complicated and time-consuming, requiring at least five operators and a range of lifting equipment that involve various risks. This new method not only guarantees the safety of the operator, but also reduces the total working time from six hours to less than one hour, according to the company.
Traditional repair methods involve cutting the power supply, causing interruption of service and monetary costs. The new live-wire repair methods mean electricity flow can be maintained during repair operations. Enditem
