Recently, at the construction site of the 500kV transformer substation project in Shuangyang, Jilin, workers gathered around as they prepared to start the wire pulling process. “All set, let’s begin the wire pulling,” one of the operators announced before pressing the start button. Onlookers could see the outdoor tension machine’s position displayed clearly on the screen, significantly enhancing construction safety.
Traditionally, monitoring the tension of power transmission lines involved assigning personnel along the route to oversee the process, which was costly and often led to delays in information relay. The new visual intelligent wire pulling method leverages self-organizing network technology to build a wireless local area network and regional hotspots covering the entire pulling segment. This enables real-time transmission of video and audio signals from the terminals, allowing for centralized control of pulling equipment, visual monitoring of the entire process, and an integrated management system for the pulling devices—key features that enhance safety during construction.
“The wire pulling segment spans 1,700 meters, crossing the Jingha Expressway at a height of 21.5 meters, with a net enclosure measuring 61 meters long and 32 meters wide. This presents significant challenges, classifying it as a secondary risk operation,” explained Xiao Zhen, the project manager for this section. “By utilizing the visual intelligent wire pulling method, we have substantially reduced safety risks associated with the construction.”
The implementation of the visual intelligent wire pulling method has cut the need for operators and line protection personnel by over 50% compared to traditional methods, effectively lowering labor costs while simultaneously enhancing safety and increasing the overall efficiency and reliability of the wire pulling system.
This segment of the project, managed by the Changchun Electric Power Group, begins at the Jincheng 500kV substation in Gongzhuling and concludes in Wutaizi Village, Yitong County, Siping. The project is a vital part of the Jilin power grid, addressing issues such as unstable power supply in Gongzhuling, especially during extremely cold and icy weather, which can lead to widespread outages. It also supports the local demand for electricity as the city continues to develop, providing a reliable power source for its growth.