Energy and Power
Ring Main Unit (RMU) as an important part of secondary distribution substations
Before getting into “What is RMU” question, let’s say a word about the distribution system where RMU is often used. Distribution systems encompass power lines that transport energy from the transmission network or other sources to consumers, along with the… Read more
Feb 11, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Important generator set (genset) rating considerations
A generator set (genset) consists of an engine and a generator and it is best to consider each of them as a system. Individually, each has unique characteristics, but together these qualities have a significant impact on the performance and sizing of the genset… Read more
Jan 30, 2015 | By Edvard Csanyi
High Voltage
Main and Transfer (Inspection) Bus Arrangement commonly used in AIS
The main and transfer bus configuration connects all circuits between the main bus and a transfer bus (sometimes referred to as an inspection bus). Some arrangements include a bus tie breaker and others simply utilize switches for the tie between… Read more
Aug 13, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Power Substation
Site selection considerations for the future power substation
At this stage, a footprint of the future power substation should be developed, including the layout of the major equipment. A decision on the final location of the facility can now be made and various options can be evaluated. Final grades,… Read more
Jul 30, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Power Substation
Satellite communication for remote control and monitoring of substations
Substation Automation is a supervisory management and control system that lies in between transmission and distribution systems. The interests on substation automation have been increasing rapidly due to its numerous benefits to utilities. It has advanced further than a traditional… Read more
Jul 28, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Cables
What engineers should know about using conduits in power substation designs
There are several locations where conduit is used in power substation designs. The most common one considered is conduit used to provide cable access to equipment, such as breakers, transformers, instrument transformers, and motor-operated disconnect switches located in the yard… Read more
Jul 25, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Medium Voltage
Microprocessor and conventional secondary systems compared
Secondary systems are all those facilities needed to ensure reliable operation of the primary system, e.g. a high voltage substation. They cover the functions of controlling, interlocking, signalling and monitoring, measuring, counting, recording and protecting. With conventional secondary systems, the… Read more
Jul 09, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Power Substation
Arriving at the scene of a substation fire. What should you do first?
Power substations contain transformers, large quantities of oil, energized electrical equipment and, in some cases, cylinders of compressed gas. Some of the oil may contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). On arriving at a substation fire, normally you should first call for firefighters… Read more
Jun 23, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Power Substation
Why is continuous on-line monitoring of partial discharge in the switchgear necessary?
Not sure? You know that periodical maintenance test like partial discharge test can still leave switchgear in virtually unknown condition. Insulation defects and deterioration may very well develop in service within maintenance cycle. These defects are often not detectable with… Read more
Jun 16, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Power Substation
How To Locate Current Transformers in HV Substation
Current transformers are used for protection, instrumentation, metering and control. It is only the first function that has any bearing on the location of the current transformer. Ideally the current transformers should be on the power source side of the circuit… Read more
Mar 14, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Power Substation
6 Simple Rules to Ensure Substation Safety
Another extremely important substation engineering aspect is associated with safety protection. It is fair to say that safety is always a No. 1 priority in substation design, operation and maintenance. Unlike the case where a higher reliability required a larger… Read more
Jan 27, 2014 | By Edvard Csanyi
Power Substation
Example of standard MV/LV network structure
Example network above consists of: MV consumer substation; Two MV ratings: 20 kV and 6 kV; The main MV switchboard fed at 20 kV can be backed up by a set of four generators. It feeds: An MV 20 kV… Read more
Dec 11, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
What’s That Hissing, Cracking, Buzzing Noise?
Corona can be visible in the form of light, typically a purple glow, as corona generally consists of micro arcs. Darkening the environment can help to visualize the corona. We once attached a camera (set to a long exposure time)… Read more
Oct 30, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Power Substation
Dry-Type Transformer Installation and Ventilation Requirements
Dry-type transformers should be installed over foundations that are properly leveled and capable to withstand their weight. When a transformer is fitted with wheels, make sure the equipment will be equally supported on its base points in order to assure… Read more
Oct 21, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Natural Ventilation Of Power Substation
The operation of a system of natural ventilation is as a result of a decrease in air density as its temperature is raised due to the heat gain from various sources. This decrease in air density causes a pressure differential… Read more
Oct 18, 2013 | By Edvard Csanyi
