Animal deterrents and security in substation
The vast majority of electrical utility substations designed to transform transmission voltages to distribution class voltages employ an open-air design. The configurations may vary, but usually consist of equipment that utilizes polymer or porcelain insulators or bushings to create electrically… Read more
Sep 05, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Budgeting and Financing Substation
The construction of new substations and the expansion of existing facilities are commonplace projects in electric utilities. However, due to the complexity, very few utility employees are familiar with the complete process that allows these projects to be successfully completed…. Read more
Aug 16, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
ABB – The world’s first renewable energy island
A Spanish island in the Atlantic Ocean is set to become the first island in the world to be powered solely by renewable energy. The $87 million project will provide electricity for the island’s 11,000 inhabitants using a combination of… Read more
Jul 15, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
GIS control system
For ease of operation and convenience in wiring the GIS back to the substation control room, a local control cabinet (LCC) is provided for each circuit breaker position (Figure 1). The control and power wires for all the operating mechanisms,… Read more
May 29, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Economics of GIS
The equipment cost of GIS is naturally higher than that of AIS due to the grounded metal enclosure, the provision of an LCC, and the high degree of factory assembly. A GIS is less expensive to install than an AIS…. Read more
Mar 04, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Risk and Consequences Of Transformer Fire
The risk of a catastrophic fire with a properly inspected, tested, and maintained transformer is small. Proper maintenance and thorough testing of the transformer will prevent or detect many events that could lead to explosion and/or fire. However, unforeseen events… Read more
Feb 07, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Transients – Line Disturbances
Lightning strikes and switching transients on power lines will propagate down the line and eventually arrive at a substation. There, the voltage will be clamped by lightning arresters to a level the substation equipment can handle without damage. This voltage… Read more
Jan 21, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Substation Ventilation Requirements – Ergon
Substations require special attention to ventilation in order to dissipate heat losses from electrical equipment. Wherever possible, natural air flow to the outside of the building will be used. Forced ventilation should be used where natural ventilation is not practicable…. Read more
Jan 19, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Security for Substation Communications
Until recently the term “security,” when applied to SCADA communication systems, meant only the process of ensuring message integrity in the face of electrical noise and other disturbances to the communications. But, in fact, “security” also has a much broader… Read more
Jan 13, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Reasons for Substation Grounding System
There are many parameters that have an effect on the voltages in and around the substation area. Since voltages are site-dependent, it is impossible to design one grounding system that is acceptable for all locations. The grid current, fault duration,… Read more
Jan 09, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Advantages Of IEC 61850
One of the significant challenges that substation engineers face is justifying substation automation investments. The positive impacts that automation has on operating costs, increased power quality, and reduced outage response are well known. But little attention is paid to how… Read more
Dec 29, 2010 | By Edvard Csanyi
Types and Origins of Substation Fires
The risk of fire in substations has been historically low, but the possible impacts of a fire can be catastrophic. Fires in substations can severely impact the supply of power to customers and the utility company’s revenue and assets. These… Read more
Dec 26, 2010 | By Edvard Csanyi
ABB – 145kV Compact indoor substation with Disconnecting CB
Turnkey 145 kV S/S project for Borlänge Energi, Sweden, emphasizing the advantages of ABB Disconnecting Circuit Breakers. Small footprint enables indoor air insulated Switchgear solutions, increasing the power substation availability and reliability for the customer. As a complement to the… Read more
Nov 15, 2010 | By Edvard Csanyi
