Inner Mongolia's first 'digital twin' smart substation starts operating in Ordos

The Erzihou 500 kV transmission and transformation substation in Inner Mongolia. [Photo/Nuan News]

Inner Mongolia's first "digital twin" smart substation, the Erzihou 500 kV transmission and transformation substation, was completed and put into operation in Ordos, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Nov 26.

This milestone represents a significant step forward for Inner Mongolia Power Group in enhancing the digitalization of its main power grid, marking an important breakthrough in the development of new power systems.

The Erzihou substation utilizes a 3D information model that integrates operational data to create a real-time three-dimensional scene. This enables visual display, intelligent operations, smart inspections, and smart security maintenance applications.

Equipped with high-definition video and robotic devices, the substation can analyze the status of equipment, personnel behavior, and the onsite environment. This proactive approach helps identify equipment defects and faults in advance, reducing safety risks and improving maintenance efficiency while lowering costs.

It received a total investment of 415.3 million yuan ($57.35 million) and covers an area of 6.77 hectares.

It will support several large industrial load projects in the Dalad Banner of Ordos, including coal power, aluminum, chemicals, building materials, metallurgy, machinery processing, energy chemicals, and new materials.