Technology
Travelzoo Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results
Published
2 months agoon
By
NEW YORK, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO):
Revenue of $21.1 million, consistent year-over-yearConsolidated operating profit of $4.0 millionNon-GAAP consolidated operating profit of $4.8 millionCash flow from operations of $3.1 millionEarnings per share (EPS) of $0.23
Travelzoo, the club for travel enthusiasts, today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024. Consolidated revenue was $21.1 million, consistent year-over-year. In constant currencies, revenue was $21.2 million, up from $21.1 million year-over-year. Travelzoo’s reported revenue consists of advertising revenues and commissions, derived from and generated in connection with purchases made by Travelzoo members, and membership fees.
Net income attributable to Travelzoo was $2.9 million for Q2 2024, or $0.23 per share, compared with $0.17 in the prior-year period. Net income attributable to Travelzoo from continuing operations was $2.9 million for Q2 2024, or $0.23 per share, compared with $0.17 in the prior-year period.
Non-GAAP operating profit was $4.8 million. Non-GAAP operating profit excludes amortization of intangibles ($88,000), stock option expenses ($0.7 million) and severance-related expenses ($30,000). Please refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the tabular reconciliation below.
“We will continue to leverage Travelzoo’s global reach, trusted brand, and strong relationships with top travel suppliers to negotiate more exclusive offers for members,” said Holger Bartel, Travelzoo’s Global CEO. “With more than 30 million members, 8 million mobile app users, and 4 million social media followers, Travelzoo is loved by travel enthusiasts who are affluent, active, and open to new experiences.”
Cash Position
As of June 30, 2024, consolidated cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were $13.2 million. Net cash provided by operations was $3.1 million.
Travelzoo North America
North America business segment revenue remained consistent year-over-year at $14.1 million. Operating profit for Q2 2024 was $3.7 million, or 26% of revenue, compared to operating profit of $3.8 million in the prior-year period.
Travelzoo Europe
Europe business segment revenue increased 1% year-over-year to $6.0 million. In constant currencies, Europe business segment revenue increased 1% year-over-year. Operating profit for Q2 2024 was $512,000, or 9% of revenue, compared to operating loss of $239,000 in the prior-year period.
Jack’s Flight Club
Jack’s Flight Club is a membership subscription service in which Travelzoo has a 60% ownership interest. Revenue from unaffiliated customers increased 9% year-over-year to $1.1 million. The number of premium subscribers increased 19% year-over-year. Jack’s Flight Club’s revenue from subscriptions is recognized ratably over the subscription period (quarterly, semi-annually, annually). Non-GAAP operating profit for Q2 2024 was $25,000. Non-GAAP operating profit excludes amortization of intangibles ($59,000) related to the acquisition of Travelzoo’s ownership interest in Jack’s Flight Club in 2020.
New Initiatives
New Initiatives business segment revenue, which includes Licensing and Travelzoo META, was $23,000. Operating loss for Q2 2024 was $184,000.
In June 2020, Travelzoo entered into a royalty-bearing licensing agreement with a local licensee in Japan for the exclusive use of Travelzoo’s brand, business model, and members in Japan. In August of 2020, Travelzoo entered into a royalty-bearing licensing agreement with a local licensee in Australia for the exclusive use of Travelzoo’s brand, business models, and members in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. Under these arrangements, Travelzoo’s existing members in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore will continue to be owned by Travelzoo as the licensor. Travelzoo recorded $7,000 in licensing revenue from the licensee in Japan in Q2 2024. Travelzoo recorded $11,000 in licensing revenue from the licensee in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore in Q2 2024. Licensing revenue is expected to increase going forward.
Members and Subscribers
As of June 30, 2024, we had 30.8 million members worldwide, consistent with June 30, 2023. In North America, Travelzoo had 16.1 million unduplicated members as of June 30, 2024, down from 16.2 million as of June 30, 2023. In Europe, Travelzoo had 9.2 million unduplicated members as of June 30, 2024, consistent with June 30, 2023. Jack’s Flight Club had 2.2 million subscribers, including premium subscribers, as of June 30, 2024, consistent with June 30, 2023.
Discontinued Operations
In March 2020, Travelzoo decided to exit its Asia Pacific business and operate it as a licensing business going forward. Consequently, the Asia Pacific business has been classified as discontinued operations.
Income Taxes
A provision of $1.3 million for income taxes was recorded for Q2 2024, compared to an income tax expense of $1.1 million in the prior-year period. Travelzoo intends to utilize available net operating losses (NOLs) to largely offset its actual tax liability for Q2 2024.
Share Repurchase Program
During Q2 2024, the Company repurchased 800,000 of its outstanding common stock.
Looking Ahead
For Q3 2024, we expect growth in revenue year-over-year, albeit at a smaller pace than in 2023. However, there could be unexpected fluctuations. We also expect for Q3 2024 higher profitability year-over-year. For 2025, we expect substantial growth in revenue as a result of additional revenue from membership fees.
In December 2023, we announced the introduction of a membership fee for Travelzoo beginning January 1, 2024. We recognize membership fee revenue ratably over the subscription period. Legacy Travelzoo members as of December 31, 2023, which represent more than 95% of members, are exempt from the fee during 2024. Therefore, we do not anticipate membership fee revenue from these members before 2025.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Management calculates non-GAAP operating income when evaluating the financial performance of the business. Travelzoo’s calculation of non-GAAP operating income, also called “non-GAAP operating profit” in this press release and today’s earnings conference call, excludes the following items: amortization of intangibles, stock option expenses and severance-related expenses. This press release includes a table which reconciles GAAP operating income to the calculation of non-GAAP operating income. Non-GAAP operating income is not required by, or presented in accordance with, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). This information should be considered as supplemental in nature and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be the same as similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Conference Call
Travelzoo will host a conference call to discuss second quarter 2024 results today at 11:00 a.m. ET. Please visit http://ir.travelzoo.com/events-presentations to
download the management presentation (PDF format) to be discussed in the conference callaccess the webcast
About Travelzoo
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. Our 30 million members receive exclusive offers and one-of-a-kind experiences personally reviewed by our deal experts around the globe. We have our finger on the pulse of outstanding travel, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences. We work in partnership with more than 5,000 top travel suppliers—our long-standing relationships give Travelzoo members access to irresistible deals.
Certain statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions, markets in which we participate and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts. When used in this press release, the words “expect”, “predict”, “project”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including changes in our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions and other factors discussed in our filings with the SEC. We cannot guarantee any future levels of activity, performance or achievements. Travelzoo undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
Travelzoo
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Three months ended
Six months ended
June 30,
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenues
$ 21,141
$ 21,128
$ 43,126
$ 42,729
Cost of revenues
2,520
2,880
5,160
5,571
Gross profit
18,621
18,248
37,966
37,158
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing
9,386
10,142
17,984
19,438
Product development
603
518
1,169
1,008
General and administrative
4,621
4,315
9,211
8,728
Total operating expenses
14,610
14,975
28,364
29,174
Operating income
4,011
3,273
9,602
7,984
Other income, net
176
479
315
829
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
4,187
3,752
9,917
8,813
Income tax expense
1,267
1,091
2,772
2,469
Income from continuing operations
2,920
2,661
7,145
6,344
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
—
2
—
—
Net income
2,920
2,663
7,145
6,344
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest
(7)
37
(18)
45
Net income attributable to Travelzoo
$ 2,927
$ 2,626
$ 7,163
$ 6,299
Net income attributable to Travelzoo—continuing operations
$ 2,927
$ 2,624
$ 7,163
$ 6,299
Net income attributable to Travelzoo—discontinued operations
$ —
$ 2
$ —
$ —
Income per share—basic
Continuing operations
$ 0.23
$ 0.17
$ 0.54
$ 0.41
Discontinued operations
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ —
Net income per share—basic
$ 0.23
$ 0.17
$ 0.54
$ 0.41
Income per share—diluted
Continuing operations
$ 0.23
$ 0.17
$ 0.54
$ 0.40
Discontinued operations
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ —
Net income per share—diluted
$ 0.23
$ 0.17
$ 0.54
$ 0.40
Shares used in per share calculation from continuing operations—basic
12,895
15,275
13,191
15,485
Shares used in per share calculation from discontinued operations—basic
12,895
15,275
13,191
15,485
Shares used in per share calculation from continuing operations—diluted
12,976
15,337
13,300
15,557
Shares used in per share calculation from discontinued operations—diluted
12,976
15,337
13,300
15,557
Travelzoo
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 12,567
$ 15,713
Accounts receivable, net
13,220
12,965
Prepaid income taxes
998
629
Prepaid expenses and other
1,726
1,461
Total current assets
28,511
30,768
Deposits and other
223
1,115
Deferred tax assets
3,102
3,196
Restricted cash
675
675
Operating lease right-of-use assets
5,873
6,015
Property and equipment, net
499
578
Intangible assets, net
1,686
2,091
Goodwill
10,944
10,944
Total assets
$ 51,513
$ 55,382
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$ 5,212
$ 4,546
Merchant payables
16,708
20,622
Accrued expenses and other
4,217
3,658
Deferred revenue
3,207
2,044
Income tax payable
1,070
766
Operating lease liabilities
2,389
2,530
Liabilities from discontinued operations
24
24
Total current liabilities
32,827
34,190
Long-term tax liabilities
6,323
4,681
Long-term operating lease liabilities
6,342
6,717
Other long-term liabilities
376
911
Total liabilities
45,868
46,499
Common stock
124
136
Tax indemnification
(9,537)
(9,537)
Note receivable from shareholder
(1,753)
(1,753)
Additional paid-in capital
—
439
Retained earnings
17,083
19,508
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(4,951)
(4,607)
Total Travelzoo stockholders’ equity
966
4,186
Non-controlling interest
4,679
4,697
Total stockholder’s equity
5,645
8,883
Total liabilities and equity
$ 51,513
$ 55,382
Travelzoo
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Three months ended
Six months ended
June 30,
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$ 2,920
$ 2,663
$ 7,145
$ 6,344
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
175
467
558
945
Stock-based compensation
688
432
783
828
Deferred income tax
(12)
30
(27)
(38)
Loss on long-lived assets
—
10
—
10
Net foreign currency effects
(14)
(36)
(11)
(33)
Provision of loss (net recoveries) on accounts receivable and refund reserves
26
(117)
(7)
(829)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
(150)
3,516
(385)
3,888
Prepaid income taxes
(390)
610
(327)
1,017
Prepaid expenses, deposits and other
(49)
2,325
533
2,485
Accounts payable
(295)
(1,072)
713
(2,393)
Merchant payables
(1,101)
(4,013)
(3,779)
(8,604)
Accrued expenses and other
478
(534)
1,450
377
Income tax payable
224
234
278
234
Other liabilities
556
600
753
1,419
Net cash provided by operating activities
3,056
5,115
7,677
5,650
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from repayment of note receivable
—
74
—
113
Purchases of property and equipment
(48)
(46)
(83)
(157)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(48)
28
(83)
(44)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchase of common stock
(6,557)
(4,684)
(10,429)
(4,870)
Exercise of stock options and taxes paid for net share settlement of equity awards
—
(299)
—
(299)
Net cash used in financing activities
(6,557)
(4,983)
(10,429)
(5,169)
Effect of exchange rate on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(73)
211
(311)
382
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(3,622)
371
(3,146)
819
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
16,865
19,826
16,389
19,378
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$ 13,243
$ 20,197
$ 13,243
$ 20,197
Travelzoo
Segment Information from Continuing Operations
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Three months ended June 30, 2024
Travelzoo North
America
Travelzoo
Europe
Jack’s
Flight Club
New
Initiatives
Consolidated
Revenues from unaffiliated customers
$ 14,015
$ 6,004
$ 1,099
$ 23
$ 21,141
Intersegment revenues
119
(53)
(66)
—
—
Total net revenues
14,134
5,951
1,033
23
21,141
Operating profit (loss)
$ 3,717
$ 512
$ (34)
$ (184)
$ 4,011
Three months ended June 30, 2023
Travelzoo North
America
Travelzoo
Europe
Jack’s
Flight Club
New
Initiatives
Consolidated
Revenues from unaffiliated customers
$ 13,642
$ 6,462
$ 1,011
$ 13
$ 21,128
Intersegment revenues
491
(575)
84
—
—
Total net revenues
14,133
5,887
1,095
13
21,128
Operating profit (loss)
$ 3,753
$ (239)
$ 97
$ (338)
$ 3,273
Six months ended June 30,
2024
Travelzoo North
America
Travelzoo
Europe
Jack’s
Flight Club
New
Initiatives
Consolidated
Revenues from unaffiliated customers
$ 28,288
$ 12,584
$ 2,199
$ 55
$ 43,126
Intersegment revenues
74
29
(103)
—
—
Total net revenues
28,362
12,613
2,096
55
43,126
Operating profit (loss)
$ 8,155
$ 1,894
$ (133)
$ (314)
$ 9,602
Six months ended June 30,
2023
Travelzoo North
America
Travelzoo Europe
Jack’s Flight Club
New Initiatives
Consolidated
Revenues from unaffiliated customers
$ 28,209
$ 12,540
$ 1,959
$ 21
$ 42,729
Intersegment revenues
682
(766)
84
—
—
Total net revenues
28,891
11,774
2,043
21
42,729
Operating profit (loss)
$ 8,269
$ 218
$ 52
$ (555)
$ 7,984
Travelzoo
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Information
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Three months ended
Six months ended
June 30,
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
GAAP operating expense
$ 14,610
$ 14,975
$ 28,364
$ 29,174
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Amortization of intangibles (A)
88
389
405
787
Stock option expenses (B)
688
431
783
827
Severance-related expenses (C)
30
56
30
95
Non-GAAP operating expense
13,804
14,099
27,146
27,465
GAAP operating profit
4,011
3,273
9,602
7,984
Non-GAAP adjustments (A through C)
806
876
1,218
1,709
Non-GAAP operating profit
4,817
4,149
10,820
9,693
Media Contact:
Investor Relations:
ir@travelzoo.com
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From ‘Convention of Peking’ to ‘Beijing Declaration’
In April 2022, President Xi proposed the GSI to promote universal security while delivering a keynote speech via video link at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2022. The initiative is a global public good offered by China, as well as a vivid illustration of the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind in the security field.
On July 23, 2024, 14 Palestinian factions gathered in Beijing and signed the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity after participating in reconciliation talks mediated by China, a lively demonstration of the GSI’s function in practice, which many international observers hailed China for having “made something impossible possible,” and regarded it as a milestone in the Middle East reconciliation process.
“Palestinian unity is key to the realization of Palestinian statehood and China is committed to facilitating it,” read an article on news outlet Al Jazeera.
“The Palestinian question is at the core of the Middle East issue. Over the past years, China has put forward proposals and taken action to address the Palestinian question with Chinese wisdom and solutions,” stated the article.
China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular media briefing on July 24, that “China firmly supports the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights, and supports the people of Middle East countries in holding their future in their own hands. China will continue to advance the GSI and make more contribution to peace and stability in the Middle East.”
On the day that the “Beijing Declaration” was signed, many Chinese people hailed the important step in peace in the Middle East and shared the sentiment “Because we have been caught in the rain, we want to hold an umbrella for others” on social media platforms.
They recalled the history that 164 years ago, the Qing government was forced to sign the humiliating “Convention of Peking” in 1860, which included ceding territories and paying indemnities. That dark era saw China reduced to a semi-feudal and semi-colonial society, when bullying by foreign powers and frequent wars tore the country apart and plunged the Chinese people into an abyss of great suffering. After a strenuous fight, the CPC has closely united and led the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to work hard for a century to put an end to China’s national humiliation, guiding the country to progress and prosperity.
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The implementation of these “small and beautiful” projects echoes the GDI’s call for sustainable and people-centric growth.
Three years ago, Xi proposed the GDI at the general debate of the 76th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, calling for the building of a consensus in pursuing development, promoting shared growth, and helping accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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At the just concluded 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the China-Africa Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation within the Framework of the Global Development Initiative was released.
“Since the launch of the GDI, China and Africa have joined forces and mutually supported each other in exploring paths toward modernization, further implementing the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035, advancing the nine programs to a high standard, as well as completing 175 ‘small and beautiful’ livelihood cooperation projects,” read the statement.
More than 30 African members of the FOCAC have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI and the Global Development Promotion Center Network to put in place an efficient working mechanism and platform for alignment in development policies, coordination of development resources, and facilitation of joint actions.
Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, CEO of the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development in Pakistan, told the Global Times that he believes that the GDI, which advocates that development “holds the master key” to solving problems and ensuring sustainable peace, is what the world is desperately seeking now. He noted that apart from Africa, other Global South countries are benefiting from the GDI and China’s development dividends.
“Without sharing the dividends of development, we cannot preach ethics, and the dream of peace will remain a dream. Without cooperation, concrete programs, and the allocation of financial resources, we cannot achieve these goals. China is cognizant of this reality and has launched numerous programs and provided financial support such as $4 billion to the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund,” he said.
Musa noted to the Global Times that “China initiated the concept of the ‘right to development.’ The GDI also offers action-based policies and result-based projects.”
According to China’s Foreign Ministry, over the last three years, the GDI has made remarkable achievements. Over 100 countries and some international organizations have given support to or taken part in the initiative. More than 80 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI. China has set up a Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, which has financed over 150 programs. The Global Development Promotion Center Network is bringing more members on board.
“The GDI was put forward by China, but its opportunities and benefits are shared by the world. On the path toward development and prosperity, no country or individual should be left behind. This is the vision of the GDI, as well as the goal advocated by the UN,” Mao Ning said at a regular media briefing on September 20, 2024.
Respect for diverse civilizations
In March 2023, Xi proposed the GCI for the first time at the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting, advocating for the respect of the diversity of world civilizations, the promotion of common values for all humanity, the emphasis on the inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and the strengthening of international cultural exchange and cooperation.
The initiative is another major public product offered to the world by China after the GDI and the GSI. It sends a sincere call to the world to deepen the dialogue of civilization exchanges and promote the progress of human civilization through inclusiveness and mutual learning, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to promote a higher level of international cooperation, experts said.
Shahbaz Khan, director of the UNESCO Regional Office, told the Global Times that the GCI aligns with UNESCO’s mission to foster respect for cultures worldwide, particularly those that possess outstanding universal value.
China now boasts 59 World Heritage sites, including the Beijing Central Axis, a “remarkable example” of urban heritage that showcases advancements from the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) to the present day, Khan said.
In recent years, China has enhanced communication and coordination with UNESCO, working with all parties to promote the implementation of the United Nations’ Global Agenda for Dialogue among Civilizations, strengthening dialogue and exchange among civilizations, and increasing the sharing of values, concepts, and experiences behind the policies of various countries, jointly exploring solutions to global challenges and issues.
Ramay noted that the GCI, together with GDI and GSI, “negates the idea of superiority and present the vision of equality and equity built on respect for diversity and cultures. The vision categorically highlighted the need for a fair and just system where everyone (country or human) can pursue the dream of development and peace.”
“These initiatives promote the idea of resolving conflicts or disputes through dialogue and development to strengthen peaceful and cooperative co-existence. Thus, the world welcomed the initiative, especially the Global South,” he said.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202409/1320506.shtml
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-chinas-gdi-gsi-and-gci-foster-global-cooperation-address-urgent-challenges-302261752.html
SOURCE Global Times
Technology
The pioneered intelligent airborne detection technology by State Grid Zaozhuang Power Supply Company
Published
3 hours agoon
September 29, 2024By
ZAOZHUANG, China, Sept. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The traditional manual detection is likely to be made towards the phase A in the lower layer; while the intelligent airborne detection is actually made towards the phase A in the upper layer. This represents the comparison result for the discharge hidden danger of the No. 23 tower insulator of the 10 kV cement plant line in the 110 kV Tendong Substation outgoing line by different detection methods, yet the accurate judgment brought by the innovative application of unmanned aerial vehicle airborne ultrasonic partial discharge detection technology.
By the end of August 12, the application of the self-developed UAV airborne ultrasonic partial discharge detection technology by State Grid Zaozhuang Power Supply Company has reached a year, during which, a total of 450 unmanned aerial vehicles were detected, 63 hidden hazards of partial discharge were identified, leading to a reduction of 37 equipment failures, the reduction of the power distribution network fault outage rate by 68%, and improving the power supply reliability rate to 99.982%.
According to Zhang Jianhua, Director of the Operation and Maintenance Department of Zaozhuang Power Supply Company, this technology is initiated in China, rewriting the tradition and passivity of power distribution network partial discharge fault investigation by hearing voice manually over a long time, and leaping into the era of intelligent imaging diagnosis. As the capillaries of the large power grid connecting thousands of households, the current average height of the distribution network tower is 15 to 18 meters, and both the insulators and cable heads on the top of these towers are important detection parts, the improvement in traditional manual detection methods is badly needed. To this end, they, by boldly integrating UAV with local imaging inspection technology, used the advantages of UAV multi-angle close-range inspection to carry out partial discharge inspection, innovated and broadened the technical dimension of aerial patrol, took the lead in enabling accurate collection of voiceprint local release data, and completed demonstration of putting the technology into practical application.
Innovation is not as simple as one plus one, the technology research took a year. Since June 2022, by means of hardware structure transformation and multi-algorithm fusion optimization, they have successively overcome a range of problems such as the inability of traditionally partial discharge inspection to lock the discharge part, the partial discharge detection of UAV propeller noise interference, and the geographical conditions of inspection, and enabled the high-quality and efficient partial discharge imaging detection of the power distribution network. In July 2023, the technology was put into trial use, and later in December of the same year, it was inspected and accepted by the State Grid Shandong Electric Power Company.
During the trial use, the Zao Zhuang Power Supply Company, by giving full play to its advantages as being directly managed and operated by State Grid Corporation of China, coordinated 162 power distribution network lines, and allocated 35 UAVs for the seven power supply centers affiliated to it in a unified manner, and trained 26 drone pilots. Beyond that, it repeatedly carried out technical verification and optimization in the trial use, reducing the time to inspect the base tower 1 from 25 minutes to 15 minutes, indicating an efficiency improvement by 1.8 times compared to the traditional manual inspection, making the accuracy reach 100%.
Instead of revolving around the tower, staring at the equipment for a long time, and being anxious but unable to do anything, Li Yanlin, the specialist staff from Operation and Maintenance Department of Zaozhuang Power Supply Company expressed the pleasure that thanks to the intelligent airborne detection technology, the partial discharge failures found in the power distribution network could be eliminated as soon as they are identified, leading to the great transformation of the operation and maintenance of distribution network from “eliminating present problems” to “preventing them before they are present”, and the formation of a sound situation of intelligent operation and maintenance.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/the-pioneered-intelligent-airborne-detection-technology-by-state-grid-zaozhuang-power-supply-company-302261739.html
SOURCE State Grid Zaozhuang Power Supply Company
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