The hotter it gets, the more reliable power must remain.

This summer, sustained heatwaves have swept across numerous regions nationwide, pushing electricity loads to historic highs. Against this backdrop, safe and stable operation of transmission and distribution lines faces severe challenges. Tree encroachment and suspended foreign objects are two prevalent hazards threatening line safety.

Conventional obstacle clearance largely relies on manual climbing or aerial work platforms, which suffer from limited efficiency and considerable safety risks. With the mature application of laser obstacle removal technology, this challenge is being effectively addressed.

The portable Laser Obstacle Remover independently developed by Sichuan Red Coast Base Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. has been deployed on transmission and distribution lines in more than 20 provinces across China, completing over 10,000 obstacle removal assignments of various types to date.

I. Line Safety Hazards in Hot Weather

Summer marks the high-incidence season for tree encroachment. Vigorous tree growth, coupled with frequent severe convective weather, often causes broken branches to topple onto high-voltage power lines. Meanwhile, strong winds frequently blow dust-proof nets, plastic films, kite strings and other debris onto conductors, triggering short circuits and even fires.

Traditional hazard handling normally requires power outages or aerial work vehicle support, involving lengthy procedures and substantial impacts on power supply reliability. Especially during high-temperature periods, power cuts will severely disrupt residents’ daily lives and industrial production, incurring high social costs.

II. Technical Approach & Advantages of Laser Obstacle Removal

The Laser Obstacle Remover developed by Red Coast Base is set up on the ground and emits high-energy laser beams remotely to perform non-contact clearance of tree encroachment and suspended debris on power lines. Its core strengths are outlined below:

✅ Live-line operation with no interruption to power supplyThe entire laser clearance process requires no line outage. Hazards can be eliminated imperceptibly to end users, avoiding social disruptions and economic losses caused by power cuts.

✅ Remote operation safeguarding personnel safetyOperators maintain a safe distance from high-voltage lines without the need to climb transmission towers, fundamentally eliminating risks of high-altitude work and electric shock.

✅ Precise removal without damage to line equipmentMetal conductors feature high reflectivity to laser beams, while non-metallic materials such as tree branches and suspended debris exhibit high laser absorption. Targeted clearance can be realized without damaging conductors or tower structures.

III. Field Application Cases

In June this year, a tree tilted due to heavy rain beneath a 220 kV transmission line in Sichuan Province. The distance between its branches and conductors was less than one meter, creating a discharge risk. Local operation and maintenance teams deployed the 500W Laser Obstacle Remover from Red Coast Base. The whole operation, from equipment setup to obstacle removal, took only several minutes, with the line continuously energized. Power supply to surrounding residents remained unaffected.

In the same month, a 10 kV line in Hunan Province became entangled with wind-blown dust-proof netting. The local power supply station deployed the Laser Obstacle Remover for the first time. After brief training, operators completed aiming and beam emission from a safe distance of several meters. The dust-proof net melted and fell off within seconds, leaving no damage to the power line.

The severe summer heat test is still ongoing. Safe operation of transmission lines depends on effective obstacle removal solutions. Featuring live-line operation, remote control and precise clearance, Red Coast Base Laser Obstacle Remover delivers an efficient and safe solution for power grid operation and maintenance.

Currently, the product has been widely adopted nationwide and continuously supports frontline power grid maintenance. Moving forward, Red Coast Base will keep optimizing product performance and contribute technological strength to guarantee reliable power supply for the public.