On Sept. 23, the self-healing test of the 22-kV MSS2.1 line in Vientiane, Laos was completed, marking the official operation of the Vientiane distribution network self-healing demonstration project supported by the Kunming Power Supply Bureau of Yunnan Power Grid. The project covers 6 lines in core areas including the Prime Minister’s Office and the Patuxai Monument in Vientiane, equipping 16 distribution automation terminals. It is the latest achievement in power cooperation between China and the Mekong-Lancang countries and fills the gap in self-healing function applications in Laos’ distribution network intelligent construction.
When a line fault occurs, the system can automatically locate and isolate the fault section and restore power to non-faulty areas. For the first time, Vientiane’s core distribution network now possesses status perception, remote control, and fault self-healing capabilities.
Previously, the operation of distribution lines in relevant areas of Vientiane lacked transparency. When outages occurred, patrol crews had to search section by section for fault points before isolating and restoring power, often taking several hours.
“Before a line tripped, we had no idea where the fault was. We could only send people to drive along the route to find it. Hours of work were common,” said Tee, a Lao technician involved in project operations. “Now when a line trips, the terminal sends signals back to the control room, automatically identifying fault sections and restoring power to non-faulty areas. The system locates, isolates, and re-energizes on its own.”
The project faced challenges due to differences in local distribution network infrastructure, communication environment, and equipment maintenance conditions compared to China, as well as on-site issues such as high temperatures and language barriers. During the communication integration phase, Chinese and Lao teams conducted joint site surveys, mapped the existing fiber optic network resources of Vientiane No. 1 Company under the Central Power System Management Division of the Electricity of Laos, assigned IP addresses and gateways, and individually debugged terminal access parameters, successfully connecting 16 distribution automation terminals to Vientiane No. 1 Company’s existing fiber network. Meanwhile, the Kunming Power Supply Bureau support team worked alongside Lao technicians on installation, joint commissioning, verification, and on-site operations, helping local personnel master debugging and maintenance methods through hands-on training.
For post-project operations, both sides developed 8 operational guidelines in both Chinese and Lao languages, including the “Medium Voltage Self-Healing Management Business Guide,” based on Vientiane No. 1 Company’s actual conditions, transforming construction, commissioning, and operational experience into standardized management requirements.
From helping build self-healing lines to jointly developing operational procedures, the cooperation between Kunming Power Supply Bureau and its Lao partners has moved from “building” to “using well.” The project provides a replicable model for distribution network upgrades. For local residents, the most tangible change is significantly reduced outage times and more reliable power supply.