State Grid Zhoukou Power Supply Company Pioneers Use of Medium-Voltage Generator to Secure Urban Power Supply

“The 10 kV medium-voltage generator has been successfully activated, delivering stable power output and seamlessly integrating into the grid,” announced State Grid Zhoukou Power Supply Company on the early morning of November 5th. In a groundbreaking move to zero power outages, the company has, for the first time, connected a medium-voltage generator to the urban distribution network, allowing for comprehensive maintenance of the 10 kV Yan20 Board Yanlian West Line without  disrupting power to consumers.

The Jianlian East branch of the 10 kV Yan20 Board Yanlian West Line supplies electricity to two residential complexes via four public and eight dedicated transformers. After enduring peak summer demands, equipment on this line exhibited signs of wear and tear, necessitating maintenance and replacement to ensure reliable power supply during the winter months. Traditionally, such work would have required a complete power shutdown, adversely affecting the daily lives of over 850 households. To circumvent this, State Grid Zhoukou Power Supply Company committed to their principle of “maintaining power continuity wherever possible, and guaranteeing it where necessary”. Coordinating across multiple departments, the company devised a new power supply strategy, which included assessing the generator’s load capacity of the medium-voltage generator against maximum user demand. Site inspections and consultations with users were conducted to ascertain power maintenance needs. Following extensive discussions and preparations, a dual strategy employing both medium and low-voltage generators was adopted, enabling the maintenance work to proceed without residents noticing any interruption in their power supply.Since September, State Grid Zhoukou Power Supply Company has been enhancing the application of new technologies and equipment in the construction and maintenance of distribution networks. To date, they have completed 1,313 distribution network projects, with the first self-healing grid operational and has now expanded to 20 lines. Dynamic voltage correction has been achieved across the existing low-voltage areas within the network. The successful integration of the medium-voltage generator signifies a significant advancement in the application of new technologies within Zhoukou Grid, taking unmanned distribution network maintenance to the next level.

Moving forward, State Grid Zhoukou Power Supply Company intends to continue its exploration and implementation of innovative technologies and equipment in power supply scenarios. They aim to refine the maturity of medium-voltage generator technology, extend its application, and minimise power outage durations for consumers, thereby further enhancing the quality of their service delivery. ( By Zhang Dawei, Qiu Zhiqiang & Zhang Yuling)