All about an electrical substation

A substation is a part of electrical generation, the distribution system, and transmission. Substations are meant to transform the voltage from high to low or low to high and also perform many other important functions. If you are still wondering that what is an electrical substation then you must learn a few facts about it. The word substation comes from those days when the distribution system becomes a grid.

What is the role of an electrical substation?

An electrical substation is a part of distribution systems and is designed for all voltages. They are capable of converting the voltage from high to low and vice -versa. The electrical network defines the power, purpose, and voltage of substations. The load on a substation depends on the consumption of the customers.

Electric high-power station and powerful transformers

What are the types of substations?

The following are some of the substation types that are used for transforming voltage.

• Converter stations: Converter stations are used to receive and transmit high voltage currents. The main aim of converter substations is to convert power for public utilities.

• Transit traction substations: These types of substations convert power for consumers and transfer the power in the network to provide it to neighboring power systems.

• Intermediate substations: These substations are meant to convert power to their consumers.

• Terminal substations: These types of substations are placed near the high voltage lines.

So, an electrical substation is designed for indoors as well as outdoors and that certainly depends on its design. The equipment of an outdoor substation is located outside while the equipment for the indoor substation is placed indoor and gets reliable protection from the harsh weather conditions.

What is an electrical substation and for how much power load they are designed?

An electrical substation is part of the electrical generation system and is available in different types. Different types of electrical substations are designed for taking different amounts of power loads.

• Substations for voltage 6 to 10 kV are located in towns, cities, and villages and are serviced by the mobile service crews.

• There are substations that are designed for carrying 35 kV, 110 kV, and 220 kV. Their control panel is located at the front of the cabinet. For these stations, there is no need for staff availability on a constant basis and these substations can be serviced by the on-duty staff and mobile service crews.

• Indoor substations are built-in highly populated cities and carry the voltage of 110 kV to 220 kV. They are capable of bearing large electrical loads and there is an operator available constantly on duty.

• Substations that carry a high voltage of 800 kV to 1500 kV are equipped with highly complex and large conversion equipment. These substations are available in less number than the other substations.

Electrical substations are owned and operated by an electrical utility or by a large commercial or industrial customer.