UAV Thermal Jet Technology Revolutionizes: ±800kV UHV insulator De-icing Efficiency Increased by 80%
Key Breakthrough Overview
On February 1, 2026, State Grid Hangzhou Power Supply Company successfully applied UAV thermal jet de-icing technology for the first time in Zhejiang Province on ±800kV Lingzhao UHV DC transmission line (Lingzhou, Ningxia to Shaoxing, Zhejiang), reducing insulator de-icing time from 3-4 hours to just 10 minutes while improving response efficiency by over 80% compared to traditional manual methods.
Technical System Composition The integrated UAV de-icing system consists of:
Component Specifications Function
Heavy-lift UAV Customized platform for power industry Carries de-icing equipment, stable flight in harsh conditions
Water tank 20L capacity, 3-layer composite insulation Stores high-purity deionized water, maintains temperature
High-pressure pump Battery-powered Generates thermal jet pressure, adjustable output
Adjustable spray rod Aerospace aluminum alloy, heat-resistant Delivers thermal jet to precise positions
Laser ranging module RTK positioning Ensures accurate distance control (within 3m) from insulators
Water treatment system Produces deionized water (≥200kΩ·cm resistivity) Prevents electrical short circuits during live operation
Working Principle & Innovation
Thermal jet mechanism: Sprays high-temperature (customized for insulator type), high-pressure deionized water to melt and dislodge ice layers
Precision operation: Laser ranging + RTK positioning enables accurate targeting without damaging insulator surfaces
Live-line capability: Uses deionized water to ensure safe operation on energized ±800kV lines
Energy efficiency: Heat insulation design minimizes energy loss, extends operational time
Efficiency Revolution: 80% Improvement Analysis
Performance Metric Traditional Manual Method UAV Thermal Jet Technology Improvement
Operation time 3-4 hours 10 minutes 95% reduction
Response time Hours (access + setup) Minutes (UAV deployment) >80% faster
Safety level High risk (climbing + live-line) Zero personnel risk (remote operation) Eliminates 100% of personal safety hazards
Weather adaptability Limited (stormy/icy conditions) Excellent (operates in extreme weather) Unrestricted by harsh environments
Power grid impact Requires shutdown Live-line operation No grid disruption, maintains power supply
Application Significance for ±800kV UHV
Grid Grid security: Prevents insulator flashover and line tripping caused by heavy icing
Cost efficiency: Reduces labor costs by 80%+, minimizes equipment rental expenses
Flexibility: Accesses remote/mountainous areas (e.g., 600m altitude in Lingzhao line) where manual operation is difficult
Multi-purpose: Dual function as de-icing system and insulator cleaning tool for anti-pollution flashover maintenance
Real-World Case: ±800kV Lingzhao Line Operation
Location: Tower 3060, Lingzhao UHV DC line (Lin'an District, Hangzhou), 600m altitude, wind-prone area
Challenge: Severe icing risk during winter, potential grid failure impact on "West-East Power Transmission" project
Outcome: Successfully removed ice in 10 minutes, restored insulator functionality without power interruption
Recognition: First application of this technology in Zhejiang Province for UHV lines
Future Prospects Technology upgrade: Integration with AI for automatic ice detection and targeted de-icing
Capacity expansion: Larger water tanks for extended operation on longer lines
Regional deployment: Planned implementation across high-altitude, heavy-icing regions nationwide
Cross-industry adoption: Potential use in wind turbines, communication towers, and other infrastructure
Post time: 2026-02-11
