What Are The Different Types Of Sub-Stations?

by Niraj Jayaswal Content Writer

Summary

The categorisation of different type of substations is primarily dependent on certain factors namely the requirements from the system, the levels of current and voltage optimizable, the design of the entire distribution network which would be operated under the substation, and the package substation manufacturer to be consulted. The latter part has various categories in themselves such as compact substation manufacturers. To know what type of substations are present in the electricity distribution network of India, we contacted some renowned and trustworthy substation manufacturers in India to know about the various types of an electrical substation transformer in action.

Article

The different type of substations is classified in a way to ensure that the requirements of both the consumer and the service provider are met with precise outcomes. To provide a clear idea about the variety of substations that are present in the electricity distribution network of the Indian subcontinent, we have skipped their strict categorisation and rather presented various examples available at hand.

· Converting Substation:

These Substations are provided for simply altering the type of current flowing through the electricity distribution network. For instance, if the current is an alternating current (AC) format, then, the Converting Substation changes it to direct current (DC) supply.

· Customer Substation:

To satisfy the power requirements for a specific commercial unit, a Consumer Substation is equipped in the power supply network. Such Substations primarily consider the requirements of the client and it forms the basis of their design.

· Grid Substation:

When the transmission of bulk power is required, then, a Grid Substation is preferred. The basic disadvantage of a Grid Substation is the collapse of the entire power supply with the fault in the Substation in itself.

· Indoor type Substation:

The location of Indoor type substation is fixed within the infrastructure for which the power supply is required. It is equipped with different voltage range to suit the requirements of the system and also the environment present around it including the pollutants and toxic elements.

· Step-down Substation:

Also known as Distribution Substation, the Step-down Substation are provided for levelling down the voltage level. They are found in areas where service is provided through the service line. In the Step-down Type Substations, 400 volts is the voltage between any two phases while the level of 230 volts is set between a neutral and any other phase.

· Step-up Substation:

As the name of the substation itself suggests, it is equipped with the step up transformer to increment the voltage for power over large distances and they operate by facilitating low voltage levels. For these requirements, a large power transformer is incorporated in the Step-up Type Substations. The functions of the Step-up Type Substations have also made them be referred to as Primary substations.

· Switching Substation:

Placed in between the transmission lines, the Switching Substations are meant for solely switching the power line. An important point to note is that the voltage flowing through the transmission lines is not interfered with. Switchyard is the commonly referred name of the Switching Substation.

· System Station:

Even though a System Station does not necessarily have the required nomenclature of a Substation but it serves a similar function. A System Station is considered for its consistent performance over long periods and is built after detailed planning and outlook.

· Transformer Substation:

Whenever there is a need for regulating the levels of the voltage through a transmission line or an electricity distribution network, the Transformer Substation is taken into action, it transforms the power from one voltage level to another.

· Underground Distribution Substation:

These Substations get their name from their location. Specially built to suit the area requirements of the urban hubs, the Underground Distribution Substations are preferred when the surface area is not proper. The expertise on the development of the Underground Distribution Substations should be precise to provide a safeguard from potential faults.

· High Voltage Substation:

Usually, fit for local distribution of electricity, the High Voltage Substations are equipped with the voltages ranging from 11kV to 66kV.