Knowing the “WHY” behind the “WHAT” of Substations
In all interconnected HVAC power systems, where many transmission lines of different voltages and different number of circuits are transporting bulky portions of active and reactive power between power stations and distribution systems, the significant role of transmission substations and zone substations becomes evident. In fact, in the absence of substations, there will be no means of stepping the voltage up/down to match the system loading at any moment. Substations also accommodate protection and control devices and panels.
In other words, by getting the controls of substations, system operators can monitor the flow of load and power at any time, and based upon the loading and fault capacity of major equipment, operators will make and implement decisions by remotely commanding switching devices in the substations within their operation area.
The recent advancements in digital technology and communication systems have made it possible for upgrading substations at large scales, from the improvements in the modular design of panels and cubicles to the application of fast and reliable COMMS media which would facilitate the reliable operation of power systems and quick isolation of system faults through modern power system protection schemes and control logics.
With the rapid development of residential/commercial/business/industrial sites, power systems are now more prone to system disturbances, power quality issues, voltage drop, and power loss constraints and this makes it inevitable for power utilities to either add to the number of substations, or accommodate more power transformers and switching devices in the existing substations, or a combination of both.
Consequently, in order to keep up with the trend of the technological advancements and in order to get familiar with new generations of switching devices, protection and control equipment, and construction practices, most power companies these days are providing their technical staff with sophisticated training programs focused on substation related studies and practices such as feasibility studies, reliability and stability studies, load and fault studies, power harmonics mitigation techniques, cap bank placement and power factor compensation techniques, busbar configuration alternatives, and technical specifications of primary and secondary equipment.
GLOMACS helps you to apply proven techniques in defining the technical specifications of major substation equipment, designing bus bar configurations, practicing load & fault studies, and switching operation of zone and transmission substations in their specialized course: Substation Design & Operation. To know more about the course and to join one of the sessions, please contact our Training & Competencies Consultant at training@glomacs.com
