What is a substation and why it is important?

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A substation is a crucial part of the electrical generation, transmission, and distribution system. It serves several key functions:

• Voltage transformation: substations use transformers to step up (increase) or step down (decrease) voltage levels. This is essential for efficient long-distance transmission and safe local distribution of electricity.
• Switching operations: they connect and disconnect transmission lines or equipment for maintenance or in emergencies, ensuring the reliability of the power supply.
• Power flow control: substations manage the direction and amount of power flow within the grid, helping to balance supply and demand.
• Protection: they include protective devices like circuit breakers and relays that safeguard the electrical system from overloads and short circuits and ensure safety.

Substations are important because they ensure the safe and efficient delivery of electricity from power plants to consumers. Without them, it would be challenging to maintain the stability and reliability of the electrical grid.

Further readings

• How can Electric Utilities Minimize the Chance of Substation Shutdown?
• The IEC 61850 standard: The force behind a less costly way to engineer a utility substation
• Transitioning to Smart MV/LV Substations as the Cornerstone of Your Smart Grid
• An IoT-Based Recipe for Future Substations