Lanso Instruments Completes Wireless Digital Upgrade of SF₆ Monitoring Instruments at Shanghai Tingwei Substation

Recently, Lanso Instruments successfully completed the wireless digital upgrade project for SF₆ monitoring instruments at Shanghai Tingwei Substation. Leveraging a lightweight LoRa-based wireless monitoring solution, the project effectively addressed key challenges in online SF₆ monitoring of GIS equipment and the inefficient maintenance of legacy instruments. The successful implementation provides a proven reference for intelligent substation modernization.

1. Project Overview

Shanghai Tingwei Substation, operated by State Grid Shanghai, features a 220 kV GIS area comprising 28 equipment bays and 169 SF₆ gas chamber monitoring points.

Prior to the upgrade, the existing instruments did not support remote data transmission. A conventional wired retrofit would have required extensive cable installation throughout the site, potentially compromising cabinet sealing structures and involving hot work. This would have resulted in a longer construction period and increased on-site safety management requirements.

Considering the different structural configurations of the multi-brand GIS equipment installed at the substation, Lanso Instruments developed a customized, integrated wireless retrofit solution.

The solution integrates Lanso Instruments' proprietary wireless transmitters, data aggregation terminals, and access terminals to establish a complete LoRa wireless communication network. Without extensive cable routing, the system enables full digital coverage of all SF₆ monitoring points across the substation.

In parallel, the gas filling ports of disconnectors and circuit breakers were externally routed to the outside of the enclosures, significantly simplifying subsequent inspection, gas filling, and maintenance operations.

2. Key Advantages of the Wireless Digital Upgrade

Lightweight Installation for Enhanced Site Safety

The wireless solution eliminates extensive cable installation and avoids high-risk operations such as cabinet sealing damage and hot work. Each monitoring point can be commissioned through a simple installation process, enabling rapid data transmission with reduced manpower requirements and a shorter construction cycle.

By minimizing on-site construction activities, the solution reduces potential safety hazards at the source and provides a more efficient approach to substation digitalization.

Rapid Fault Identification for More Efficient Maintenance

The monitoring devices provide built-in fault code indication. When an abnormality occurs at a monitoring point, maintenance personnel can identify the corresponding location and fault through the data collector's point coding system, eliminating the need for time-consuming point-by-point on-site inspection.

This significantly reduces fault diagnosis and troubleshooting time, improving overall inspection and maintenance efficiency.

Centralized Data Management for Reduced Maintenance Workload

Real-time SF₆ monitoring data from across the substation is transmitted to the station's auxiliary control system, enabling centralized monitoring and management.

The system supports one-click data export and automatic generation of maintenance reports, simplifying routine data management and reporting.

In addition, the system provides automatic alerts for SF₆ gas leakage and equipment faults, enabling maintenance personnel to identify potential risks at an early stage and take timely corrective action. This enhances overall equipment visibility, operational safety, and asset management efficiency.

3. Project Summary

The successful upgrade at Shanghai Tingwei Substation demonstrates that Lanso Instruments' LoRa-based wireless SF₆ monitoring solution can effectively accommodate GIS equipment from multiple manufacturers and across different equipment configurations.

The project has demonstrated significant advantages in installation efficiency, maintenance management, operational safety, and digital monitoring coverage, providing a practical solution for the modernization of existing substations.

Going forward, Lanso Instruments will continue to focus on intelligent monitoring technologies for substations and power infrastructure. By leveraging its proprietary portfolio of high-precision, high-reliability digital measurement and monitoring instruments, Lanso Instruments is committed to supporting the power industry's transition toward safer, more efficient, and sustainable digital operations, while contributing to the development of greener and more resilient power systems.