Electrical substations are key components of electrical generation, transmission, and distribution systems. Below, we provide an overview of what they are, how they work, and the types available to help readers understand the important role they play in our day-to-day lives.
What Are Electrical Substations?
Electrical substations serve as an interface between generation, transmission, and distribution stations and between stations and end-users. They are designed to step up or step down the voltage in transmission lines to make it suitable for distribution and use. Additionally, they have mechanisms in place to control the flow of current in different directions, smooth and filter transmission fluctuations, and protect the overall system.
How Do Electrical Substations Work?
The electrical transmission and distribution process begins with the generation of electricity in a power plant. The electricity produced travels to a transmission substation near the plant. The transmission substation increases the voltage of the electricity through the use of step-up transformers, which reduces the potential for transmission loss over longer distances. From there, the electricity travels to a power substation, where the voltage is first reduced using step-down transformers and then transmitted to the distribution grid. The distribution grid also contains transformers that help lower the voltage for distribution. Eventually, the power reaches residential step-down transformers, which convert the voltage to appropriate levels for use as per the country’s standards.
Types of Electrical Substations
There are three main classifications of electrical substations:
- Transmission substations. These substations facilitate the transmission of power from generation sources to various delivery points. They contain step-up transformers, which raise the voltage to ensure more efficient power transmission.
- Sub-transmission substations. These substations use step-down transformers to lower the voltage levels of power transmitted over long distances to sub-transmission voltage levels. The resulting power can be used for industrial operations or transmitted to distribution substations.
- Distribution substations. These substations use distribution transformers to further lower sub-transmission voltage to appropriate levels for industrial, commercial, and residential purposes.
Substation Fabrication Solutions at Advance Industrial Manufacturing
Need electrical substations for your next infrastructure project? Turn to the experts at Advance Industrial Manufacturing! We can provide custom metal fabrication solutions for a range of infrastructure needs. Whether you need medium or large substations, we can fabricate and weld a structure that meets your specifications and standards. In addition to fabricating lattice structural components for efficient and reliable overhead support systems, we can create platforms, stairs, and handrails for safety systems.
For additional information about our substation capabilities, check out our substation structures page. To discuss your project needs with one of our team members, request a quote.