A substation is a crucial element of an electrical supply system, as it is responsible for transmitting high voltage electricity from generation sites to local distribution networks. Depending on the system, the voltage may experience several changes across multiple substations. The various types of substation layout are discussed in detail below. These layouts are designed to ensure efficient and safe transmission of power.
Typical Radial Substation
In a radial substation, there is a single source of power that feeds the load, as depicted in the figure. This type of supply system is unreliable, as a total blackout would occur in the event of a source failure or line fault. Despite this, radial substations are often used in rural distribution systems due to their lesser importance.
Tapped-Substation
This supply is unreliable and insecure since it is prone to total supply failure due to the potential for source or line faults. Such faults can occur unexpectedly and without warning, leaving users without any access to the necessary resources.
LILo (Line In Line Out) Substation
This scheme is an expensive option, due to the requirement of an additional layout, however it provides increased security. In this substation, a long distribution line is routed in and out of the newly created substation.
Interconnected Substation
This supply system is highly preferred due to its safety, security, and reliability. Even in the event of a power outage or disruption in a source or line, the system is able to easily switch to alternative sources of power to ensure that no one is left in the dark. This redundancy helps to guarantee a continuous, uninterrupted flow of electricity that can be depended on. Additionally, this system is also able to quickly adapt to changes in energy demands, allowing it to maintain a consistent supply of power.
