Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

UNIT-III: SUBSTATIONS
Classification of substations: Air Insulated Substations – indoor & outdoor substations,
substations layouts of 33/11 kV showing the location of all the substation equipment. Bus bar
arrangements in the sub-stations: simple arrangements like single bus bar, sectionalized
single bus bar, double bus bar with one and two circuit breakers, main and transfer bus bar
system with relevant diagrams. Gas Insulated Substations (GIS) – advantages of gas
insulated substations, different types of gas insulated substations, single line diagram of gas
insulated substations, constructional aspects of GIS, installation and maintenance of GIS,
comparison of air insulated substations and gas insulated substations.
Learning Objective : To study the constructional and operation of different components of
an Air and Gas Insulated substations.
Learning Outcome: After the completion of the course the student should be able to
1
identify the different components of air and gas insulated substations.
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

OVERVIEW OF UNIT-III
S. No Major Concept Sub Concepts Applications
To understand the
Classification of Air Insulated Substations (AIS) – indoor & outdoor
necessity of
3.1 substations substations. substations layouts of 33/11 kV showing
substations & types of
the location of all the substation equipment.
substations
simple arrangements like single bus bar, sectionalized To understand various
Bus bar
single bus bar, double bus bar with one and two types of arrangements
3.2 arrangements in the
circuit breakers, main and transfer bus bar system of Bus bars in a
sub-stations
with relevant diagrams. substation
advantages of gas insulated substations, different To understand design
Gas Insulated types of gas insulated substations, single line diagram and working, types of
3.3
Substations (GIS) of gas insulated substations, constructional aspects of GIS
GIS, installation and maintenance of GIS,
Comparison of AIS
3.4 -----
& GIS
2
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

Substation: Electrical substations are the interface between parts of

the distribution grid and transmission systems.
 An Electrical Substation plays an important part of the electrical system
as it acts a bridge in transferring the electricity from the power generation
source unit to the end consumers by working to step up or step down the
voltage when required.
 Substations include transformers, insulators and circuit breakers to help
regulate power issues, changing the frequency, voltage, AC to DC, P.F and
other characteristics.
 Substations play a key role in delivery of safe and consistent energy flow
to homes and other consumers. 4
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

Types of Electrical Substations and Functions

There are numerous types of electrical substations depending on its nature
and power tackling capacities.
Classification of Substations broadly falls under the following 4
categories based on various aspects

 Substation Types based on Application

 Substation Types based on Service

 Substation Types based on Operating Voltage Levels

 Substation Types based on Location/Design

5
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

Types of Electrical Substations based on Applications

1) Step-up Substation:
 The step-up substations are linked to generating stations directly as
generation is achieved in lower voltages. Hence, these voltages are needed to
be stepped-up for economical transmission of electrical energy over greater
distance.
 The step-up substation may have circuit breakers which are utilized for
transmission and generation circuits in the case when required to be shut
down.
 The specified voltages which are leaving the step-up transmission are to
be analyzed through customer’s needs. 6
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

Types of Electrical Substations based on Applications

2) Step-down Substation:
 The step-down substations are linked with load centers as there is a
requirement of different voltage levels for various loads.
 The step-down substations are capable to change the voltage levels of
transmission to usually distribution levels.
 The lines of the substation are then serving as a source to that of the
distribution substation.
 Moreover, some of the power is tapped from the substation line to be used
for industrial purposes in the way.
7
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

Types of Electrical Substations based on Applications

3) Primary Substation:
The primary grid substations are linked with bulk load centers
alongside primary lines of transmissions. The voltages are stepped-down at
various voltage ranges for purpose of secondary transmission.

4) Secondary Substation:
The secondary substations are lined alongside secondary transmission
lines adjacent to loads. The voltages here are further stepped-down for
purpose of distribution.
8
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

Types of Electrical Substations based on Applications

5) Distribution Substation:
 The distribution substations are located at the lace where voltages of primary
distribution are being stepped-down. These voltages exists between 4 live wires
are for consumers to use for their actual loads having one neutral to ground.
 Conventional – Outdoor type with air-insulated equipment
 Indoor type with air-insulated equipment
 SF6 Gas Insulated Substation
 Outdoor type with gas-insulated equipment
 Indoor type with gas-insulated equipment
 Composite Substation or Hybrid Substation combination of above two
9
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

Types of Electrical Substations based on Applications

6) Mobile Substation:
 The mobile substations are only for a dedicated purpose and are temporary
in nature i.e. mainly for giant constructions.
 A mobile substation is supposed to fulfill power requirements of the under-
construction structures.
 These substations are a source of temporary electrical supply and its
maintenance is very easy.
 It has vibrant protection from blackouts, fires,
weather disturbance, and sabotage etc.

10
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

Types of Electrical Substations based on Applications

7) Industrial Substation:
 The industrial substations are also known as bulk substations and are
traditionally referred to as distributive substation, however, these are for
dedicated consumers only e.g. industries requiring bulk power to be supplied.
8) Mining Substation:
The mining substation is of a distinct kind and is needed to be designed
carefully as an increased level of precautionary safety measures are to be taken
for the operation of its electrical energy. This substation is dedicated for the
control of electrical power supply from the surface to mine power station lying
underground. 11
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

Types of Electrical Substations based on Service

1) Converter Substation: As the name suggests, Converter substations contain
equipment that changes the frequency of current from higher to lower and can also
convert AC to DC or the reverse also.
2) Switching Substation: A key function of these switching station includes
switching the power line without altering the voltages as they are placed in between
the transmission lines. It also isolates the faulted portion of the systems and de-
energize faulted equipment which helps the grid operate with stability.
3) Collector Substation: These substations are primarily used in distributed power
generation projects like wind farms, hydroelectric projects etc where power flow from
multiple power sources can be collected and distributed to the grid by stepping up the
transmission voltage. 12
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

Types of Substations by Operating Voltage Levels

The substations classification below is based on the voltage levels they
operate and may vary from region to region
1) High Voltage Substations (HV Substations) – Involving voltages
between 11 KV and 66 KV.
2) Extra High Voltage Substations (EHV)– Involving voltages between 132
kV and 400 kV.
3) Ultra High Voltage(UHV) – Operating voltage above 400 KV.
4) Direct-current high voltage (dc HV) – ±250 kV, ±400 kV, ±500 kV

13
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

Types based on Locality / Design

Outdoor Substation: The outdoor substations are constructed in the open air.
These are also known as a 66KV substation, 132KV substation, 220KV substation,
and 400KV substation etc.
Indoor Substation: The indoor substations are generally of lower voltages and are
built under a roof or closed compartment. These substations are also known
as 11KV substations and 33KV substations etc.
Pole Mounted Substation: The pole mounted substations are majorly distribution
substations which are constructed on the structure of two, four, or sometimes six
or more poles.
Underground Substation: The underground substations are built in ground
or subversive. These substations are built in congested places where
building open air/outdoor substations are not possible. However, the design
of such substations is very complex. 14
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

Components / Equipment of a Substation

The substation would be a combination of switching, controlling, and voltage step-
down equipment arranged to reduce sub-transmission voltage to primary
distribution voltage for residential, commercial, and industrial loads.

Any Power substation consists of:

Switchgear Equipment: Isolators, Circuit Breakers (CB), Earthing switches etc.

Control gear equipment: Current Transformers (CT), Voltage / Potential

transformers (PT), contactors etc.

Protection equipment: Relays, Fuses, Surge / Lightning Arrestors (LA) etc.

Power Transformers
15
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

Layout of a 33/11 kV Substation showing location of Substation Equipment

16
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

Function of various Equipment of a Substation

The function of main equipments in a substation are:
Transformers: To step down the 33kV primary voltage to 11kV suitable for
distribution purpose.
NB: One 33kV/0.415 auxiliary transformer was also needed to supply the
substation with reliable ac power.
Circuit breakers: Circuit breakers were needed so as to disconnect and isolate the
faulted section. Sulphur-hexa-fluoride (SF6) circuit breakers were chosen.
Isolating switches (isolators): It is a requirement that whenever maintenance or
repair work is to be carried out on equipment in a substation or feeders, it be
disconnected from the supply by an isolator, normally operated on no load.
Isolators are normally interlocked with circuit breakers and earthing switches. 17
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

Function of various Equipment of a Substation

Current and potential transformers: Current and voltage transformers were
needed so as to step down the line current for the purpose of metering and
relaying.
Bus bars: The incoming and outgoing circuits were connected to bus bars. Flexible
ACSR stranded conductor bus bars supported from two ends by strain insulators
was chosen for the 33kV bus bar.
Protective relays: Whenever a fault occurs the protective relay would operate and
send a trip signal to circuit breakers. The relays were housed in panels in the
control room and Ring Main Units.
Surge arrestors (lightning arrestors): Surge arrestors would protect the
substation equipment from lightning and switching surges. 18
 Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering POWER SYSTEMS - I

Function of various Equipment of a Substation

Earthing switch: The earthing switch is usually connected between the line
conductor and earth and is mounted on the frame of isolator. Normally it is in open
position. When the line is disconnected the earthing switch is closed to discharge
the trapped charges to earth.
Station earthing system: The function of station earthing system is to provide a
low resistance path for flow of earth fault currents (for proper operation of
protection devices) and safety of equipment and personnel.
Station battery and charging equipment: A substation needs dc supply for
protection and control purposes. This supply is obtained from batteries. 110V dc
supply is used for medium size substations while 240V supply is used for large
substations. The batteries were to be equipped with charging equipment fed by the
auxiliary transformer.
NB: 110V dc supply can be chosen for a general substation. 19
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS
ENGINEERING
 Gas Insulated Substations
(G.I.S)
Definition :
• A gas insulated substation (GIS) is a substation that uses a superior
dielectric gas, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), high-voltage.

The basic principle of gas-insulated equipment

• Is that the high-voltage current- carrying parts are within a metal

enclosure and are held in a concentric configuration by cast epoxy spacer
insulators.

• The space between the conductor and the enclosure is filled with sulfur
hexafluoride gas under moderate pressure.
 Gas Insulated Substations
(G.I.S)
Usage :
 Gas insulated substation
mainly used for a power
transmission system or a
substation system, of which
outgoing bus-bar is shortened
to reduce consumption of the
outgoing bus-bar.

 The equipment can be

designed for any bus scheme.
Components in (G.I.S)
 Gas Insulated Substations
(SF6) gas : (G.I.S)
 The dielectric medium is the sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas.

 SF6 has been used as an insulating medium in electronic devices, power

apparatus, and HVDC converter stations.

 Its excellent properties make it ideally suited both as an insulating and as an

arc-quenching agent.

 Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), molecular weight 146.07, is a colorless, odorless,

nonflammable and heavy gas with excellent electrical characteristics that make it
applicable for some special uses in the electrical/electronic equipments,
industrial processes, scientific fields and commercial products.

 Its dielectric strength is greatly superior to that of air, and it is close to 100 times
as effective as air in quenching an electric arc.
 The following requirement are important to satisfy, the
requirement of GIS can be summarized as

1. Conductors which conduct the main circuit current and transfer power these are
of copper or aluminum tubes.

2. Conductors need insulation above grounded enclosures, conductors also need

phase to phase insulation, in SF6 requirements are met by cast resin insulators
and SF6 gas insulation. GIS these insulation

3. Gas filled modules have nonmagnetic enclosures, enclosures are of aluminum

alloy or stainless steel, adjacent modules are joined by means of multi-bolts
tightened on flanges.

4.Various circuit components in main circuit are: CB, Isolator, Earthing witches for
conductors, CTs, VTs, cable-ends, Bushing-ends and Bus-Bars, each of these
main components has its own gas -filled metal enclosed module.
5. Gas filling, monitoring system.

6. Auxiliary low voltage DC and low voltage AC supply system, control, protection
and Monitoring systems.
7. The bus-bars are conducting bars to which various incoming and outgoing
bays are connected. In SF6 GIS the bus-bars are laid longitudinally in GIS hall.
The bays are connected to bus-bars cross- wise, bus-bars are either with a three-
phase enclosure or single phase enclosure.
 ADVANTAGES OF GAS INSULATED SUBSTATIONS

Compactness of GIS
The space occupied by SF6 installation is only about 10% of that of a
conventional outdoor substation. High cost is partly compensated by saving in
cost of space.
Protection from pollution
The moisture, pollution, dust etc., have little influence on SF6 insulated sub-
stations. However, to facilitate installation and maintenance, such substations are
generally housed inside a small building. The construction of the building need not
be very strong like conventional power houses.
Reduced Switching over voltages
The over voltages while closing and opening line, cables motors capacitors etc. are
low.
Reduced Installation Time
The principle of building-block construction (modular construction) reduces the
installation time to a few weeks. Conventional sub-stations require a few months
for installation.
Superior Arc Interruption
SF6 gas is used in the circuit-breaker unit for arc quenching. This type of breaker
can interrupt current without over voltages and with minimum acing time. Contacts
have long life and the breaker is maintenance free.
Gas Pressure
The gas pressure (4 kgf/cm2) is relatively low and does not pose serious leakage
problems.
Increased Safety
As the enclosures are at earth potential, there is no possibility of accidental contact
by service personnel to live parts.
Demerits of GIS
The following are the main disadvantages of Gas Insulated Substations over Air
Insulated Substations and Hybrid Substations.
•High cost compared to conventional outdoor sub-station.
•Excessive damage in case of internal fault. Long outage periods as repair of
damaged part at site may be difficult.
•Requirements of cleanliness are very stringent. Dust or moisture can cause internal
flashovers.
•Such sub-stations generally indoor. They need a separate building. This is
generally not required for conventional outdoor sub-stations. Procurement of gas
and supply of gas to site is problematic. Adequate stock of gas must be maintained.
Differences Between AIS and GIS
 various tests performed on the gas insulted
substations
Routine tests, often referred to as production tests, are performed to ensure that
each GIS operates as it has been designed and type-tested for. The routine tests are
performed for each GIS after assembly and marks a major quality gate before the
GIS leaves the factory. The test parameters are based on the type test results, which
means that, within certain tolerances, the routine tests need to reflect the type test
data.
Dielectric Tests: The dielectric tests are done after the mechanical routine testing and
demonstrate the dielectric performance of the GIS, ensuring the correct assembly, correctly
manufactured parts from a dielectric point of view, and the absence of particles and other
contaminants
Power frequency dielectric test: For routine tests, the dielectric test is a power frequency
withstand voltage test. Impulse testing, such as lighting and switching impulse, is not
typically part of the routine testing. At minimum functional SF6 pressure, the following
conditions are tested: phase-to-ground, phase to-phase (in the case of three phases in one
enclosure design), and across open switching devices. Successfully withstanding the one
minute withstand level without a disruptive discharge is the main criteria to mark that the
test passed successfully.
The measurement of partial discharges: shall be performed to detect possible material and
manufacturing defects. The measurement of partial discharges shall be performed with
dielectric tests after mechanical routine tests. The test shall be carried out on all components
of the gas-insulated switchgear.
Measurement of the Resistance of the Main Circuits: Typically, the voltage drop or
resistance of main circuits are measured using a DC current of 100 A. this test. The test data
should be within a 20% tolerance band compared with the type test data.
Tightness Tests: Using devices such as SF6 piping, adaptation of SF6 leakage detectors, all
areas of enclosures assemblies, SF6 gauges, and SF6 density monitoring will be checked for
leaks.
Pressure Tests of Enclosures: After complete machining of enclosures, pressure tests are
made at 1.3 times the design pressure for welded aluminum and welded steel enclosures and
at 2 times the design pressure for cast enclosures. Automated test stations facilitate the
inclusion of a tightness test using helium after the pressure test of the enclosure. The
standard test pressure shall be:
•1.3 times design pressure for welded aluminum and welded steel enclosures.
•2 times design pressure for cast aluminum and composite aluminum enclosures.
The test pressure shall be maintained for at least 1 min. No rupture or permanent
deformation should occur during this test.
Mechanical Operation Tests :Mechanical operation tests include all devices of the GIS that
will be mechanically operated, such as a circuit breaker, disconnect switches, ground
switches, and high-speed ground switches. The tests include a certain number of operation
cycles at different control voltage levels and the correct function of the related auxiliary
equipment; for example, auxiliary switches to indicate the position of the circuit breaker and
switches.
Tests on Auxiliary and Control Circuits: These tests confirm that, during manufacturing,
all wiring has been done correctly according the related circuit diagrams. Auxiliary and
control circuits shall conform to the schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical data
provided by the manufacturer. Technical data may include the number, class, type, capacity
of available contacts, and electrical power of shunt releases (other than auxiliary and control
contacts, electrical power of shunt releases, etc.) This test have following sections:
Functional tests:
Verification of protection against electrical shock:
Dielectric tests on auxiliary and control circuits:
Pressure Tests on Partitions: Partitions are gas tight insulators that separate one gas
compartment from the other. They allow full pressure on one side and vacuum on the other.
Each partition has to be tested to twice that of the design pressure. It has to be ensured that
the weakest mechanical direction of the device is being considered for the test. This test
verifies that the partition has been manufactured correctly to withstand the pressure the
partition is designed for. Partitions will also be tested to the dielectric withstand capability
and a sensitive partial discharge measurement. Pressure tests shall be made on enclosures
after complete machining. Each partition shall be subjected to a pressure test at twice the
design pressure for 1 min in the weakest direction. For the pressure test the partition shall be
secured in exactly the same manner as in service. The partition shall not show any sign of
over stress or leakage.
 What is a Bus Bar: Types & Their Working

During the distribution of electrical power to various output circuits, two

or more wires are connected to a single wire. The improper electrical
connection gets opened and the insulation of the wire may get damaged
due to heat generation in the wires. This condition may lead to an open
circuit, which is too dangerous for the distribution of power. In such
cases, to avoid open-circuit conditions, the multiple wires are connected
properly using an electric bus system. The bus bar is an electrical
component used in electrical distribution systems to collect current from
the input terminals of an electrical system and distributes it to various
output circuits. It is used as a junction between the input power and
output power. It distributes the power to various output circuits with
more flexibility. This article is an overview of the bus bar and its types.

What is the Bus Bar?

The conducting material or a conductor used to collect power from the

input terminals of an electrical system and distribute it to various output
circuits is known as an electrical bus bar or bus system. It acts as a
junction, where the incoming power and outgoing power meets. It is
used to collect all the electrical power in one place. It is available in the
form of rectangular strips, round tubes, round bars, and square bars
made up of aluminum, copper, and brass.

The use of an electrical type will reduce the cost of labor, maintenance
cost, and installation costs. These are connected very easily and quickly.
These are used in various applications like hospitals, industries, data
centers, railways, metros, institutions, computer technology, and many
more.

It contains an isolator and the circuit breaker. If any fault occurs, the
circuit breaker gets tripped off and the part of the bus bar, which is
faulty can easily be disconnected. Mostly rectangular type is used in
electrical power distribution systems.

Types of Bus Bar

The bus bars are available in the sizes of 40x4mm, 40x5mm, 60x8mm,
50x6mm, 80x8mm, and 100x10mm. These are used in the distribution of
power depend on factors like cost, flexibility, reliability, etc. While
selecting its arrangement, consider that the arrangement should be easy
and simple, cheap and the maintenance should not affect the process of
distribution of power.

The single type is used in small substations where the process of the
continuous power supply is not required. An additional type is used in
large substations to avoid interruption in the power distribution. The
different types are explained below.

Single Bus-Bar Arrangement

The single bus bar arrangement is very simple and easy. This type of
arrangement consists of a single bus with a switchboard.
The transformers, feeders, and generators are connected to the bus bar as
shown in the figure below.
The circuit breakers control the transformers, generators, and feeders.
During the maintenance, the isolators are used to isolate the
transformers, generators, and feeders from the bus bar.
The advantages of the single bus bar arrangement are

 Low cost

 Less maintenance

 Operation is simple and easy.

The disadvantages of a single bus bar arrangement are

 If any fault occurs in this, the whole distribution of power is

interrupted and the feeders will be disconnected.

 It is less flexible and used in only small substations, switchboards,

and small power stations where the continuous distribution of
power is not needed.
Single Bus-Bar Arrangement with Bus Sectionalized

This type of arrangement is used in large stations where several units are
installed using a bus sectionalized. In this type, the circuit breakers and
isolators are used as shown in the figure below.
The isolator in the arrangement used to separate the faulty section to
protect the system from the shutdown. There is no increase in cost even
though an additional circuit breaker is used.

Advantages

 Easy to remove the fault section, without any loss in the supply
continuity

 Individual sections on the bus can be repaired without disturbing

the overall section on the bus bar.

 The current limiting reactor helps to reduce the faults in the sections
of the bus.
Disadvantages

Usage of additional isolators and circuit breakers in the system increases

the cost.

Main and Transfer Bus Arrangement

This type of bus bar is designed by combining the auxiliary type and the
main bus bar by using a bus coupler to connect the circuit breaker and
isolated switches. In case of overloading, the load is transferred from one
to another bus bar by using a bus coupler. In this case, the potentials of
the two bus bars should be the same to transfer the load and the main
bar should be opened and should be kept closer to transfer the load.
Advantages

 The main advantage is shifting the load from one type to another
type if any fault occurs loss of continuity.
  The cost of repair and maintenance is less

 Relays can be operated by using the bus potential.

 It is very easy to shift the load on any other buses.

Disadvantages

 As the whole systems use two bus bars, the cost would increase

 The whole system may breakdown if any fault occurs in any of the
sections on the bus.

Double Bus Double Breaker Arrangement

In this type, two bus bars with two circuit breakers are used. So, that it
doesn’t require any special types of equipment like a switch and bus
coupler.
Advantages

It gives the highest flexibility and reliability because there no loss of

continuity due to the faults Even though the load is transferred from one
bus to another, there would be no change in the supply continuity of the
system.

Disadvantages

The cost of the system and maintenance is more due to the additional
circuit breakers and two buses. So, these types of bus bar systems are
used in substations

Sectionalized Double Bus Bar Arrangement

In this type, an auxiliary type is also used along with the sectionalized
main bus bar system. Any of the sections in the main type can be
removed for repair and maintenance and can be connected to any of the
auxiliary bus bars in the system. There is no need to sectionalize the
auxiliary type because of its highest cost.

One and a Half Breaker Arrangement

This type of system uses 3 circuit breakers for 2 circuits. That means each
circuit in this will use ½ circuit breaker. This type of arrangement is
mainly employed in large stations like power handling circuits.
Advantages

 Protects the system against loss of power supply

 Can be used to operate relays

 Easy to add additional circuits to the system

Disadvantages

 Compex circuit due to the relay system

 High maintenance cost

Ring Main Arrangement

This type of system is arranged in ring form by connecting the endpoint

of the main bus bar in the system back to the starting point.
Advantages

 Due to the ring arrangement, two paths are available for the supply.
So, the working of the system will not be affected due to the faults.

 Faults of a particular section in the whole system can be repaired

without affecting the entire working of the systems.
  Easy to maintain the circuit breaker without any interruption in the
supply.

Disadvantages

 The system would be overloaded if any of the circuit breakers are

opened.

 Adding the new circuit may create some complications.

Mesh Arrangement

This type of bus bar is controlled by 4 circuit breakers, which are

installed in the mesh. From the node point, the circuit is tapped. The
mesh formed by the buses gets opened due to the occurrence of faults in
any of the sections. It is mainly used in the substations where it requires
a large no. of circuits. It also provides security against faults. There is a
lack of facility in switching.