Photo: State Grid Bortala Power Supply Company

On November 21, State Grid Bortala Power Supply Company successfully installed surge arresters on the Huanggu 110kV transmission line, significantly improving its ability to resist lightning strikes and ensuring the safe and stable operation of the transmission system.

The 110 kV Huanggu Qianxian line is a critical power supply route for the Jingyi-Horgos railway, providing electricity to traction substations. This line passes through the rugged and steep terrain of the mountainous area, characterized by complex terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. During thunderstorm season, frequent lightning strikes pose a serious threat to the safe operation of the transmission line.

To mitigate these risks, the company made the proactive decision to install surge arresters in areas particularly prone to lightning. The installation took place over two days, November 20-21, and focused on iron towers Nos. 209 to 214, known for their high incidence of lightning activity. Thanks to the installation of the new surge arresters, the potential impact of lightning on the safety of the transmission line will be considerably reduced.

To guarantee the smooth running of the installation, the company developed a comprehensive operational plan and mobilized a team of experienced transmission professionals. The team traveled for two hours to reach the base of the mountain, where they faced the challenges posed by the rugged terrain. After an arduous 40-minute climb, they managed to reach the iron towers. Prioritizing safety, the team took necessary precautions by climbing into the towers to install 18 sets of surge arresters.

“The surge arresters installed during this operation have exceptional lightning protection capabilities. In the event of a storm, they can quickly channel lightning currents into the ground, protecting the transmission line from potential impacts. This improvement not only strengthens the line’s lightning resistance, but also minimizes risks associated with bad weather, thereby providing a more reliable basis for the power supply operations of the Jingyi-Horgos Railway,” said Liang Wei, maintenance supervisor at the Transmission Operations and Maintenance Center of the State Grid Bortala Power Supply Company.