Smart grid equipment is the core support for building a new-type power system. With the large-scale grid connection of new energy and the rapid development of distributed energy, the on-load voltage regulation capability of transformers, the intelligence level of circuit breakers, and the digital monitoring capability of high- and low-voltage switchgear are becoming key to the safe and stable operation of power grids. From the production line upgrades at the three major production bases in Xi'an, Yueqing, and Hanzhong, it can be seen that power equipment is rapidly evolving toward higher reliability, lower losses, and stronger perception capabilities.

I. Technological evolution: from traditional equipment to smart power equipment

The technological evolution of smart grid equipment has gone through three key stages. In the first stage (2010-2015), on-load voltage regulating transformers and vacuum circuit breakers became mainstream configurations; in the second stage (2016-2020), pole-mounted switches with primary and secondary integration and smart ring main units began to be applied at scale; in the third stage (2021 to present), smart power equipment integrating IoT sensing, edge computing, and digital twin technology has achieved mass production.

When Qindian Zhicheng introduced its first intelligent circuit breaker assembly line in 2015, few enterprises in China had the production capacity for complete sets of equipment with primary and secondary integration. Today, we have achieved large-scale production of related outdoor products from 10 kV to 40.5 kV, with annual production capacity steadily increasing, and our products are widely used in power grids, new energy, rail transit, and other fields.

Large-Format Tile Production Line

Figure: Intelligent assembly workshop at Qindian Zhicheng's Xi'an production base

II. Market trends: five major application directions

Based on our tracking and analysis of power industry data, in 2026 smart grid equipment will accelerate penetration in the following five directions:

1. New energy grid connection: smart substation construction speeds up

As installed capacity of wind power and photovoltaic power continues to grow, demand from new energy stations for step-up transformers, box-type substations, and smart switchgear has increased substantially. Taking a 110 kV step-up station as an example, compared with traditional equipment, adopting smart transformers reduces floor space by about 25%, lowers operation and maintenance costs by more than 30%, and provides remote monitoring and fault warning capabilities.

2. Distribution network automation: widespread adoption of primary-secondary integrated equipment

In distribution network automation upgrades, primary-secondary integrated pole-mounted circuit breakers and smart ring main units have become standard. Taking an urban distribution network upgrade project as an example, adopting smart ring main units can shorten fault location time from hours to minutes, significantly improving power supply reliability. This trend is particularly evident in new urbanization construction and rural revitalization grid upgrades.

3. Industrial power distribution: intelligent upgrading of high-voltage and low-voltage switchgear

Smart low-voltage switchgear has been widely used in industrial parks, data centers, and commercial complexes. Compared with traditional switchgear, smart cabinets provide online temperature monitoring, power quality analysis, and remote opening and closing functions, which can effectively reduce the risk of electrical fires and improve the operation and maintenance efficiency of power distribution systems.

Power equipment is not only the carrier of energy transmission, but also the foundation for ensuring the safe and stable operation of the power grid. It enables grid operators to serve economic and social development with fewer outages and lower losses.

4. Rail transit and infrastructure: high-reliability power supply assurance

In infrastructure fields such as rail transit, airports, and tunnels, the requirements for power supply continuity and equipment reliability are extremely high. Outdoor high-voltage circuit breakers and high- and low-voltage switchgear, as key equipment, have their mechanical life and breaking capacity directly determine the safety level of the power supply system.

5. Old station renovation: equipment renewal and capacity expansion

A large number of substations that have been in operation for more than 15 years face equipment aging problems. Renovation using new smart transformers and switchgear can achieve capacity expansion without expanding the land footprint, shorten the construction period by more than 40%, and is particularly suitable for substation renovation projects in urban core areas.

Sintered Stone Applications

Figure: Application effect of smart switchgear in industrial power distribution projects

III. Selection recommendations: how to choose suitable power equipment

In actual engineering selection, we recommend comprehensive consideration from the following dimensions:

  • Voltage level:Determine the voltage level based on the electrical load and power supply radius. For 10 kV distribution stations, it is recommended to use intelligent ring main units or mid-mounted switchgear; for 35 kV and above substations, it is recommended to use on-load tap-changing transformers and outdoor circuit breakers.
  • Capacity selection:Transformer capacity should be based on the calculated load with a reasonable margin reserved; for industrial projects, it is recommended to configure at 60%-70% of the load rate, and for renewable energy stations, output fluctuation characteristics need to be considered.
  • Protection rating:Outdoor equipment should reach IP 54 or above; in high-humidity or dusty environments, products with a higher protection rating should be selected.
  • Certification and standards:Pay attention to whether the product has passed national compulsory certification, type test reports, and authoritative testing such as KEMA, to ensure the equipment complies with the latest national standards.
  • Service capability:Select a supplier with integrated capabilities in solution design, equipment manufacturing, installation and commissioning, and operation and maintenance services, to ensure full-cycle technical support for the project.

IV. Looking to the Future

Smart grid equipment is transforming from "single function" to "integrated sensing, communication, and decision-making." With the maturation of digital twin, edge computing, and new sensing technologies, transformers, circuit breakers, and switchgear will possess stronger self-diagnosis and adaptive capabilities, providing solid support for the construction of new-type power systems.

Qindian Zhicheng will continue to invest in the research and development and process innovation of smart power equipment, providing the power industry with products of higher reliability, lower losses, and greater intelligence. To learn more technical details or obtain project solutions, you are welcome to contact Contact's technical engineers.