Digital transformation helps maintain grid load during peak season.

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - The intense heatwave lasting from May to August each year has been pushing electricity consumption in Northern Vietnam to record levels, posing significant challenges to the power grid in terms of overload, risk of incidents, and supply disruptions. Electricity transmission and distribution units in Thanh Hoa province have been proactively promoting digital transformation and applying a range of advanced technologies to management and operation to maintain a safe and continuous power supply.

Monitoring transmission parameters at Thanh Hoa 500kV Substation.

The Thanh Hoa Power Transmission Team currently manages 2 500kV substations, 5 220kV substations, and over 1,100km of 220-500kV power lines. All substations are covered by Wi-Fi, synchronized with smart devices, allowing for remote monitoring and control. For the power line system, the unit uses drones equipped with thermal sensors to inspect the condition of equipment at high altitudes, helping to detect abnormalities early, reduce the risk of accidents, and ensure workplace safety.

“The application of digital technology has simplified operational processes, increased labor productivity, and significantly reduced the number of personnel directly involved at the substation. Currently, each 220kV substation only has about 5 operating staff, instead of 12 as before, thanks to the conversion to an automated substation mode. In particular, the integration of equipment management and work management software has improved the efficiency and accuracy of technical work,” shared Pham Ngoc Thang, Deputy Team Leader of the Thanh Hoa Power Transmission Team.

A prime example is the Thanh Hoa 500kV Substation, one of the key nodes in the North-Central transmission grid and considered a model substation for 500kV systems nationwide. The substation is equipped with many advanced technological devices such as battery monitoring systems, grounding monitoring systems, oil and temperature monitoring systems, and infrared cameras to monitor equipment operating status. All are digitized, allowing operators to accurately monitor parameters and detect potential problems early. This includes the oil monitoring system.

With online monitoring, oil quality indicators are continuously tracked, eliminating the need for staff to manually inspect the equipment on-site as before. This significantly reduces staff contact time with electrical equipment, while also improving safety and minimizing risks and hazards during shifts.

At the Ba Chè 220kV Substation, a remote operation model has been implemented since the end of 2023, optimizing remote monitoring and control. All equipment is equipped with QR codes that operators can scan using tablets or smartphones. Data is automatically updated to the management software for operation, minimizing errors and completely eliminating manual record-keeping.

Mr. Trinh Khac Hung, an operations staff member, shared: “Thanks to the application of digital technology, controlling equipment has become easier and more time-saving. Data is continuously updated, making remote operation more efficient; at the same time, it reduces a lot of paperwork and minimizes errors.”

Staff at the Thanh Hoa 500kV substation monitor equipment reliability levels using a mobile application.

At the sub-100kV power grid level, Thanh Hoa Power Company has also promoted the application of digital technology in management and operation. SCADA systems, remote control, unmanned substations, and hotline repair technology have been deployed synchronously. Telecommunications infrastructure has been significantly upgraded with over 1,969km of fiber optic cable connecting substations and distribution points, along with the application of technical management software via PMIS and GIS, helping to integrate historical data and CBM (condition-based maintenance, also known as predictive maintenance) alerts. In particular, hotline technology helps the unit handle incidents on the 22kV grid without cutting off power, ensuring continuous power supply during the hot season. In addition, the use of drones, smart cameras, and AI algorithms in inspection, maintenance, and detection of violations in the power grid corridor has helped improve productivity and reduce the risk of workplace accidents. Remote electronic electricity meters allow customers to monitor their daily consumption, increase transparency in electricity bills, and contribute to saving management resources.

“In the coming time, the unit will continue to improve the smart grid system with automatic switching and fault handling features, promote research and application of AI and IoT in load analysis and fault forecasting, aiming to build a comprehensive digital ecosystem in production and business activities,” said Hoang Duc Hau, Deputy Director of Thanh Hoa Power Company.

According to data from the Thanh Hoa Power Transmission Team, the amount of electricity transmitted through the system in the first six months reached 29.07 billion kWh, of which 3.91 billion kWh was distributed to Thanh Hoa Power Company. In June alone, Thanh Hoa's commercial electricity output reached 866.179 million kWh, a 15.1% increase compared to the same period last year, with a peak power of 1,597.5 MW – the highest ever recorded in the province. At the same time, the Northern power system also recorded a record consumption level with a peak power of 26,998 MW on July 18th, a 5.7% increase compared to the same period last year. In the context of continuously peaking electricity demand, the accelerated application of technology and digital transformation in system management and operation has helped the Thanh Hoa power sector not only ensure stable and continuous electricity supply within the area but also significantly contribute to maintaining the transmission line for the entire Northern region.

Text and photos: Tung Lam

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/chuyen-doi-so-giu-tai-luoi-dien-mua-cao-diem-255785.htm