Electrical distribution systems consist of many components like poles, wire, transformers, and meters. At the heart of the typical electrical distribution system, is the electrical distribution substation. This article identifies many of the components that make up a typical electrical distribution substation. Remember, anytime you enter a substation you need to keep high voltage safety in mind. With that, let’s get started.
Power transformers
The purpose of an electrical distribution substation is to distribute power to the customers of an electric utility. In order to do this, voltage transforms from a high transmission voltage down to a lower distribution voltage. The power transformer is the component in the electrical distribution substation that does this.
Bus Work
Ok, this is not the bus that you rode on as a kid. The power transformer has to have a way to receive and distribute power. This is accomplished by connecting wires from the power transformer to bus work inside substations.
Steelwork
Bus bars have to be connected to something. Inside an electrical distribution substation there are large steel structures and lattice work that hold everything together. This is where all of the different things are mounted.
Insulators
Insulators isolate the bus bars and high voltage wiring from the steel.
Lightning Arrestors
Lightning arrestors play an important role in the electrical distribution substation. They help mitigate any damage that might occur due to lightning.
Breakers
Circuit breakers protect the lines after they exit an electrical distribution substations. They are also installed ahead power transformers to protect the power transformer in case of a fault.
Disconnect Switches
Disconnect switches are typically used when maintenance needs to be performed on equipment. They allow equipment to be isolated from its source and load.
Voltage Regulators
Voltage regulators play an important role in maintaining a healthy electrical distribution system. They help maintain the system voltage within predetermined bandwith.
Relays and Control/Monitoring Equipment
Relays and other control/monitoring equipment control circuit breakers and monitor statuses on things like power transformers and voltage regulators. This can also include things like the metering equipment in substations. Relays and meters are typically laid out in panel configurations where there are metering panels and relay panels.
Control House
The control house houses relays and monitoring devices. Communications equipment and batteries are housed in the control house as well.
Batteries
Batteries power relays and other equipment.
Battery Chargers
Battery chargers are used in conjunction with batteries in substations to keep the batteries topped off and in good condition.
Fencing
Electrical distribution substations have high voltage equipment which has to guarded against any unauthorized entrance. That is why electrical distribution substations are surrounded by fences.
SCADA
SCADA systems are used by substation personnel for remote operation and monitoring of subsation equipment like RTACs.
Communications Equipment
In modern substations, communication is key. Communications equipment is the backbone of reliable data in substations. Substations may have various ways and protocols to communicate with field equipment.
