Electrical substation
Electrical substations are the interface between parts of the distribution grid and transmission systems. These fenced off areas (see Figures 1 and 2) step down the voltage in the transmission lines to one that is suitable for the distribution grid. They are also equipped with circuit breakers to protect the distribution system, and can be used to control the flow of current in various directions.[2][3] They also smooth and filter voltage fluctuations caused by, for example, an increased load.[4]
Components
Transformers lower the very high transmission voltages into a voltage less than 10 000 volts, which is suitable for distribution systems. Substations are also often equipped with a bus that splits off the current in multiple directions, as well as circuit breakers and switches which will allow the isolation and direct control of certain parts of the transmission and distribution systems.[2] Many substations also include capacitors to smooth the voltage output.
Types
Substations can be categorized by their various functions and roles.
- Step-up substation - These substations raise the voltage from generators (usually at power plants) so electricity can be transmitted efficiently. For more information on why higher voltages are more efficient for the transmission of power, see electrical transmission.[6]
- Step-down substation - These facilities lower the voltage from transmission lines to what is known as a subtransmission voltage, which is sometimes used for industrial purposes. Otherwise, the output is then directed to a distribution substation.[6]
- Distribution substation - These substations further lower the subtransmission voltage to one that can be used to supply most industrial, commercial, and residential needs, with the aid of a distribution transformer before power is finally delivered to the load.[6] These facilities are sometimes located underground. Visit distribution grid for more information.
For Further Reading
For further information please see the related pages below:
- Electrical transmission
- Electrical grid
- Electrical outlet
- Distribution grid
- Or explore a random page!
References
- ↑ David Neale [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Brain, Marshall, and Dave Roos. (Accessed July 28, 2015). How Power Grids Work [Online], Available: http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/power.htm
- ↑ Alstom. (July 28, 2015). What is an electric substation? [Online]. Available: http://www.alstom.com/grid/about-us/understanding-electrical-grids/What-is-an-electric-substation/
- ↑ Enmax. (Accessed July 28, 2015). Substations [Online], Available: https://www.enmax.com/generation-wires/transmission-and-distribution/our-system/substations
- ↑ "Electrical Substation" by Wtshymanski at en.wikipedia - Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Electrical_Substation.JPG#/media/File:Electrical_Substation.JPG
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 United States Department of Labor. (Accessed July 28, 2015). Illustrated Glossary: Substations [Online]. Available:https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/electric_power/illustrated_glossary/substation.html
