In 2007, Pan got his first patent. He designed a computerized system to avoid manual mistakes in operating secondary pressure plates that were used to protect high voltage equipment.

"It was complicated to frequently run those plates in the right order," he explains.

Pan studied digital processing on his own, and then developed 3D technology secondary pressure plates including eight specifications with a protection cover for different distribution boards.

With all the right operations keyed into the computer system, it could override incorrect manual operations.

"The protection cover is not able to move and thus could hold the plates in place if a mistake occurred," Pan says.

The system came into operation after six months.

In 2010, Pan developed a formula for coating that has proved effective in preventing corrosion, which is especially important in coastal areas such as Pinghu.

In January last year, Pan ingeniously applied the infrared imaging thermometer intended for industrial use onto temperature monitoring at public spaces as a pandemic control measure.

There could be relatively big discrepancies in forehead temperature readings during cold weather, and professional infrared thermometers that are used in transportation and security systems are expensive.

So, Pan got down to work on adjusting the parameters.

He first brought the industrial temperature monitoring range of up to 120 C down to the human temperature range, and factored in environmental temperatures and humidity, as well as the relation between body surface temperature and body temperature.

After days of troubleshooting and readjustments, Pan modified existing industrial infrared thermometers for urgent use during the pandemic.

To date, he has more than 20 national invention patents and over 90 utility model patents, and published two monographs in his field.

Pan's flair for innovation, especially in terms of problem solving, has landed him a trainer role at the local power station.

In 2010, the local power station invested more than 700,000 yuan ($108,850) to build a substation replica for Pan to train his proteges.

"I can set up obstacles for them to deal with," Pan says of the substation replica.

Wu Di, who has been Pan's apprentice for more than a decade, is impressed by Pan's attention to quality and details.

Even a difference in 0.01 millimeters when fine-tuning the parameters for body temperature measurements with industrial-grade infrared imaging thermometers could affect the result.

"He pulled several all-nighters modifying the parameters inch by inch, and finally worked out the best result for measuring human body temperature," Wu recalls.

The innovation greatly shortened the time required for temperature checks and helped the city fight the pandemic.

"I couldn't help but admire what he did," Wu says.

"He showed me how simple things are worth being done over and over again, how repetitive things require good work, and how ordinary tasks can be delivered through innovation."

Pan has also developed four training video series for local power workers based on his experiences, and took the initiative to digitalize standard power transformation operations.

"I have always been in awe of electricity," Pan says.

Speaking about the future, Pan says he feels as if he has been given more responsibilities after receiving the top honor for Chinese workers.

He was impressed by President Xi Jinping's call on Party committees and governments at all levels to respect and care for model workers during the November ceremony in Beijing.

Xi also called for building a high-quality workforce to adapt to the needs of a new scientific and technological revolution.

"I'll keep an eye on what's new in the field," Pan says. "After all, they are the source of innovation."