Why Is China Installing Diamond Rings on Every Electricity Pole?

International News: China is installing diamond rings on electricity poles—a seemingly unusual yet cutting-edge innovation. This advanced technology enables the detection of even the most subtle fluctuations in electrical flow, all without physical contact. Designed to safeguard the power grid, it aims to prevent widespread blackouts efficiently. In April, there was a sudden power outage in many European countries including Spain, Portugal and France. A similar situation was also seen in China's Xinjiang region last year, when fluctuations in solar and wind energy destabilized the grid. In such a situation, China is now taking the help of such equipment which is equipped with future technology.

What is this diamond ring?

The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and State Grid Corporation have jointly developed this device. It got the name Diamond Ring because it is round in shape and has diamond sensors. Actually, these sensors are based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) technology, which uses the quantum properties of the microscopic particles inside the diamond. This device can detect even the slightest change in the magnetic field with an accuracy of 0.05%, no matter how high or low the temperature is. This means that by installing this device in electric poles and substations, real-time monitoring can be done.

How does it work?

This ring has four diamond sensors which are mounted in a circular structure. These sensors read the magnetic field around the power line without touching it and immediately alert if there is any unusual activity in it. The system detects any major fault before it occurs. It has also been successfully tested in a 110kV substation in Hefei city of Anhui province of China.

Why is this important?

Today, the use of renewable energy i.e. solar and wind energy is increasing rapidly in the world. But their biggest disadvantage is that they depend on the weather and can cause sudden fluctuations in production. These fluctuations can shake the power grid. Old systems are not so fast and accurate that they can immediately identify the danger.

China is making big preparations

China has recently launched another quantum sensor that can monitor ultra high-voltage lines of ±800kV. This sensor works in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C. This means that China is now equipping its power system with future technology so that there can be no darkness not only today but also in the coming years.