We all know that electricity does not appear out of thin air; it must go through a process-generation, transmission, transformation, distribution, and end-use-before it finally reaches our homes. Central to this process are "conductors."
In electrical engineering, conductors are typically made from materials such as copper, aluminum, aluminum alloys, or steel. Some of these lack an insulating layer and are known as "bare conductors." This category includes solid copper or aluminum wires, stranded aluminum or copper wires, aluminum conductor steel-reinforced (ACSR) cables, and various shaped conductors. Bare conductors are primarily used for overhead power lines, as well as for busbars, internal connections within power distribution cabinets, and electrical enclosures.
However, overhead bare-conductor distribution lines pose significant insulation-related risks. For instance, tree growth or landscaping work can cause branches to come into contact with these lines, leading to short circuits or line breakage. Similarly, small animals-such as birds or rodents-can trigger power outages by coming into contact with the conductors. Ensuring the reliability of power supply and distribution on overhead networks, while eliminating these insulation hazards, is a critical issue for the safety of the power grid.
So, how can overhead bare conductors be insulated? One approach is to replace them with insulated conductors. While this method is straightforward, it presents several drawbacks: it requires lengthy power outages, involves tight project schedules, incurs high costs, and demands significant labor.
Furthermore, some lines may only require localized insulation-covering just one or two spans-making a full-scale replacement of the entire line unnecessary and inefficient. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a new type of solution.
With the continuous advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, a comprehensive solution has emerged: on-site insulation coating for power infrastructure. Picture this: high above a forest, a small, Hermes-orange "vehicle" inches along an overhead power line. Wherever it passes, the silvery-white wires are instantly cloaked in a black "protective suit," effectively insulating the previously bare conductors.
