Power distribution has multiple stages, and different machines perform it. It is impossible to expect electricity to travel at the same voltage from the power plant to the end user. There is a massive difference in the voltage level, which transformer substations manage. What are these machines, and how do they perform? Find out everything below.
An electrical appliance needs a voltage range that can support it. That voltage range comes after the transformer substation adjusts the voltage level. Its primary function is to transform high voltage and current into lower ones. It works for both since it can step up and down the voltage. It distributes power by adjusting the levels as per the requirements of domestic, commercial, and industrial users.
It contains multiple components that help it manage the voltage from low to high and vice versa. These components are transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, control systems, busbars, isolators, etc. Here is the simplified process of transformer substation.
1. The power plant forwards the electricity to the step-up transformer substation.
Then, the step-up transformer substation boosts the voltage level for high-voltage power lines.
After that, the electricity goes with high voltage from high-voltage power lines to transmission substations.
Then, transmission substations forward high-voltage electricity to distribution substations.
Those distribution substations reduce the voltage to meet domestic, commercial, and industrial requirements.
Then, the end users get the standard electricity voltage for regular use.
Each distribution substation has to reduce the voltage to 230 volts for end consumption. This process starts from 2500 volts at the power plant, transforming into 400,000 volts at high-powered lines. Then, the voltage is converted to 230 volts for end users.
There are different types of transformer substations, each with a different function. Their capacity for transformation depends on their kind, and all those types are listed below.
Its function is to increase voltage for long-distance transmission. It receives around 25 kV from power plants to forward it. Since the voltage level has to improve for long-distance transmission, it boosts it. A step-up substation boosts the voltage level from 35 kV to 400 kV, which is why it is called a step-up substation.
The second type of substation, a transmission substation, reduces the voltage level forward for lower-voltage applications or distribution substations. A step-down substation receives around 200 kV of electricity, which needs to be reduced for end users. It reduces the voltage level up to 132 kV to meet the requirements.
The third type ensures that the end users get the exact voltage that suits the appliances, which is about 230 volts. Distribution substations reduce the voltage further after receiving it from the step-down substation. It is about the final adjustment of voltage, which they ensure to do by lowering from around 132 kV to 230 volts.
The fourth type is a switching substation, which does not adjust the voltage level. Its function is to receive and forward electricity at the same voltage. Its purpose is to manage and redirect the power without changing voltage. This type works in interconnections of grids. Because of this, it does not have a transformer.
This type is for places with a risk of security, rainfall, and similar challenges. Some also use it as a space-saving substation. They are installed in urban areas where real estate factors and the curb appeal of society are some reasons for using this type. Underground substations are the best choice for places where the noise has to be kept low. Military areas also prefer this type for security reasons.
They are for places where there is no space for installations. This could be because of some complex conditions that don’t allow normal substations to work efficiently. Such places require mobile substations, which provide electricity for a temporary period. Mobile substations also prove handy for emergency and maintenance reasons. When it comes to disaster recovery and temporary setups, this type provides an instant solution.
Different factors help you select the suitable transformer. That is about power requirements like voltage and current capacity. For instance, if it concerns residential purposes, you must choose accordingly. The requirements will be slightly different for commercial or industrial purposes. It also depends on the location because you must decide the type. Whether you want underground, mobile, or standard type depends on location and environmental factors. It also requires installation and maintenance costs, which you need to consider. Different kinds require different ranges of costs.
It is all about the efficiency level of energy transformation. The appliances will get the right voltage if you decide on the right type. That will save the appliances of domestic, commercial, and industrial users. There will be no fluctuations or disasters regarding the voltage. As a result, the electricity distribution will be stable for the safety of appliances. Also, power outages, short circuits, and similar accidents will not occur if you install the correct type.
Users in different sectors face a few challenges. Homes, offices, factories, and other places have different requirements. The number of appliances and users affects the power needs. Also, space limitations in urban areas are among the top challenges. This includes higher initial costs in the form of price, installation, and maintenance costs. Then comes the regulatory authorities, who make a huge impact. You have to consider them along with environmental factors for the final decision.
Transformer substations have made some advancements. Some companies have launched smart substations for better monitoring and efficiency. These add modern features like monitoring, integration with renewable energy systems, and more. They are also looking to improve things with IoT features. Advanced materials are also contributing to better substation performance.
It is impossible to convert high electricity voltage at different stages and levels. Thanks to transformer substations, this happens with multiple types. Each type is installed throughout the electricity supply process from the power plant to end users. Users must select the right type according to voltage requirements, space limitations, and affordability. Once they install the right kind, they all get a stable flow of electricity on a large scale.
Are transformer substations AC or DC?
They can work only with AC because this type is easy to travel for long distances without much current loss. Also, AC is transformable, which makes it suitable for substations.
What is the difference between a switch and a substation?
A substation has a transformer, and a switch is without a transformer. Both transmit electricity, but one makes no changes in the voltage level.
What are the three types of substations?
Step-up, step-down, and switching substation. Step up boosts the voltage, step down reduces it, and the switching type makes no changes in voltage.
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