Recently, the independently developed novel nonlinear seismic isolation device by the China Electric Power Research Institute was first applied at the Baishui Substation of the Aktau 220 kV in Xinjiang, China. Overcoming the technical challenges in seismic isolation design for lightweight structures, this device will effectively enhance the seismic safety capability of secondary cabinets in the main control building of the substation, injecting technological impetus into power grid disaster defense.
China, being prone to earthquakes, with about 58% of its territory located in seismic zones, not only experiences frequent seismic activity but also hosts crucial areas for the construction of China's power energy bases. Consequently, there is an urgent need to strengthen the seismic resilience of substation facilities.
After successfully addressing seismic challenges for primary equipment such as transformers, the Power Transmission and Transformation Engineering Research Institute of the China Electric Power Research Institute has been tackling the more demanding task of seismic isolation design for lightweight facilities since 2018.
The project leader, Liu Zhenlin, stated that seismic isolation design for lightweight structures faces the dual challenge of stiffness and sensitivity. Due to their low weight, lightweight structures require seismic isolation devices with extremely low stiffness to effectively isolate seismic forces, while also avoiding excessive sensitivity due to low stiffness, which could impact normal equipment operation. Therefore, seismic isolation devices for lightweight structures should have accurate earthquake recognition and protection mechanisms to ensure precise responses during earthquakes.
After in-depth research, the China Electric Power Research Institute innovatively developed three core technologies: quasi-zero stiffness seismic isolation technology, passive protection control technology, and modular assembly application technology. These technologies achieve the goals of low stiffness, anti-misalignment, and modularization, laying a solid foundation for the development of power grid earthquake disaster defense technology.
The successful application of the first set of the new nonlinear seismic isolation device not only enhances the seismic safety capability of secondary cabinets in the main control building of the substation but also provides new ideas and methods for seismic design of China's power grid facilities. The widespread application of this technology is expected to significantly improve the stability and safety of transmission equipment when encountering earthquakes and other natural disasters.
