SUB-STATION EQUIPMENTS & ITS FUNCTIONS

Prepared by-Gaurav Kumar

LIGHTENING ARRESTER
Lightening arrestors are the instrument that are used in the incoming
feeders so that to prevent the high voltage entering the main station. This high
voltage is very dangerous to the instruments used in the substation. Even the
instruments are very costly, so to prevent any damage lightening arrestors are
used. The lightening arrestors do not let the lightening to fall on the station. If
some lightening occurs the arrestors pull the lightening and ground it to the
earth. In any substation the main important is of protection which is firstly done
by these lightening arrestors. The lightening arrestors are grounded to the earth
so that it can pull the lightening to the ground. The lightening arrestor works
with an angle of 30 to 45 making a cone.
CVT
A capacitor voltage transformer (CVT) is a transformer used in power systems to
step-down extra high voltage signals and provide low voltage signals either for measurement
or to operate a protective relay. In its most basic form the device consists of three parts: two
capacitors across which the voltage signal is split, an inductive element used to tune the
device to the supply frequency and a transformer used to isolate and further step-down the
voltage for the instrumentation or protective relay. The device has at least four terminals, a
high-voltage terminal for connection to the high voltage signal, a ground terminal and at least
one set of secondary terminals for connection to the instrumentation or protective relay. CVTs
are typically single-phase devices used for measuring voltages in excess of one hundred
kilovolts where the use of voltage transformers would be uneconomical. In practice the first
capacitor, C1, is often replaced by a stack of capacitors connected in series, this results in a
large voltage drop across the stack of capacitors that replaced the first capacitor and a
comparatively small voltage drop across the second capacitor, C2, and hence the secondary
terminals.

WAVE TRAP
Wave trap is an instrument using for tripping of the wave. The function of this trap is
that it traps the unwanted waves. Its function is of trapping wave. Its shape is like a drum. It
is connected to the main incoming feeder so that it can trap the waves which may be
dangerous to the instruments here in the substation.

INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMER
pg. 1

Instrument transformers are used to step-down the current or voltage to

measurable values. They provide standardized, useable levels of current or
voltage in a variety of power monitoring and measurement applications. Both
current and voltage instrument transformers are designed to have predictable
characteristics on overloads. Proper operation of over-current protection relays
requires that current transformers provide a predictable transformation ratio
even during a short circuit.
These are further classified into two types which are discussed below.
a. Current Transformers
b. Potential Transformers
CURRENT TRANSFORMER
Current transformers are basically used to take the readings of the
currents entering the substation. This transformer steps down the current from
800 amps to 1 amp. This is done because we have no instrument for measuring
of such a large current. The main use of this transformer is
a. Distance Protection
b. Backup Protection
c. Measurement

A current transformer is defined as an instrument transformer in which

the secondary current is substantially proportional to the primary current (under
normal conditions of operation) and differs in phase from it by an angle which
is approximately zero for an appropriate direction of the connections. This
highlights the accuracy requirement of the current transformer but also
important is the isolating function, which means no matter what the system
voltage the secondary circuit need to be insulated only for a low voltage.
The current transformer works on the principle of variable flux. In the
ideal current transformer, secondary current would be exactly equal (when
multiplied by the turns ratio) and opposite to the primary current. But, as in the
voltage transformer, some of the primary current or the primary ampere-turns
are utilized for magnetizing the core, thus leaving less than the actual primary
ampere turns to be transformed into the secondary ampere-turns. This naturally
introduces an error in the transformation. The error is classified into current
ratio error and the phase error.

POTENTIAL TRANSFORMER
pg. 2

There are two potential transformers used in the bus connected both side of the bus.
The potential transformer uses a bus isolator to protect itself. The main use of this
transformer is to measure the voltage through the bus. This is done so as to get the detail
information of the voltage passing through the bus to the instrument. There are two main
parts in it
a. Measurement
b. Protection
The standards define a voltage transformer as one in which the secondary voltage is
substantially proportional to the primary voltage and differs in phase from it by an angle
which is approximately equal to zero for an appropriate direction of the connections. This in
essence means that the voltage transformer has to be as close as possible to the ideal
transformer.
In an ideal transformer, the secondary voltage vector is exactly opposite and equal to
the primary voltage vector when multiplied by the turns ratio.
In a practical transformer, errors are introduced because some current is drawn for the
magnetization of the core and because of drops in the primary and secondary windings due to
leakage reactance and winding resistance. One can thus talk of a voltage error which is the
amount by which the voltage is less than the applied primary voltage and the phase error
which is the phase angle by which the reversed secondary voltage vector is displaced from
the primary voltage vector.

BUS BAR
The bus is a line in which the incoming feeders come into and get into the instruments
for further step up or step down. The first bus is used for putting the incoming feeders in la
single line. There may be double line in the bus so that if any fault occurs in the one the other
can still have the current and the supply will not stop. The two lines in the bus are separated
by a little distance by a conductor having a connector between them. This is so that one can
work at a time and the other works only if the first is having any fault.
A bus bar in electrical power distribution refers to thick strips of copper or aluminum
that conduct electricity within a switchboard, distribution board, substation, or other electrical
apparatus. The size of the bus bar is important in determining the maximum amount of
current that can be safely carried. Bus bars are typically either flat strips or hollow tubes as
these shapes allow heat to dissipate more efficiently due to their high surface area to cross
sectional area ratio. The skin effect makes 50-60 Hz AC bus bars more than about 8 mm (1/3
in) thick inefficient, so hollow or flat shapes are prevalent in higher current applications. A
hollow section has higher stiffness than a solid rod of equivalent current carrying capacity,
which allows a greater span between bus bar supports in outdoor switchyards. A bus bar may
either be supported on insulators or else insulation may completely surround it. Bus bars are
protected from accidental contact either by a metal enclosure or by elevation out of normal
reach. Neutral bus bars may also be insulated. Earth bus bars are typically bolted directly onto
any metal chassis of their enclosure. Bus bars may be enclosed in a metal housing, in the
form of bus duct or bus way, segregated-phase bus, or isolated-phase bus.

CIRCUIT BREAKER

pg. 3

The circuit breakers are used to break the circuit if any fault occurs in any of the
instrument. These circuit breaker breaks for a fault which can damage other instrument in the
station. For any unwanted fault over the station we need to break the line current. This is only
done automatically by the circuit breaker. There are mainly two types of circuit breakers used
for any substations. They are
a. SF6 circuit breakers
b. Spring circuit breakers.
The use of SF6 circuit breaker is mainly in the substations which are having high
input kv input, say above 220kv and more. The gas is put inside the circuit breaker by force
i.e. under high pressure. When if the gas gets decreases there is a motor connected to the
circuit breaker. The motor starts operating if the gas went lower than 20.8 bar. There is a
meter connected to the breaker so that it can be manually seen if the gas goes low. The circuit
breaker uses the SF6 gas to reduce the torque produce in it due to any fault in the line. The
circuit breaker has a direct link with the instruments in the station, when any fault occur
alarm bell rings.
The spring type of circuit breakers is used for small kv stations. The spring here
reduces the torque produced so that the breaker can function again. The spring type is used
for step down side of 132kv to 33kv also in 33kv to 11kv and so on. They are only used in
low distribution side.

TRANSFORMER
There are three transformers in the incoming feeders so that the three lines are step
down at the same time. In case of a 220KV or more KV line station auto transformers are
used. While in case of lower KV line such as less than 132KV line double winding
transformers are used.
The transformer is transported on trailor to substation site and as far as possible
directly unloaded on the plinth. Transformer tanks up to 25 MVA capacity are generally oil
filled, and those of higher capacity are transported with N2 gas filled in them +ve pressure of
N2 is maintained in transformer tank to avoid the ingress of moisture. This pressure should be
maintained during storage, if necessary by filling N2 Bushings - generally transported in
wooden cases in horizontal position and should be stored in that position. There being more
of fragile material, care should be taken while handling them. Radiators These should be
stored with ends duly blanked with gaskets and end plates to avoid in gross of moisture, dust,
and any foreign materials inside. The care should be taken to protect the fins of radiators
while unloading and storage to avoid further oil leakages. The radiators should be stored on
raised ground keeping the fins intact.
Oil piping. The Oil piping should also be blanked at the ends with gasket and blanking plates
to avoid in gross of moisture, dust, and foreign All other accessories like temperature meters,
oil flow indicators, PRVs, Buchholz relay; oil surge relays; gasket O rings etc. should be
properly packed and stored indoor in store shed. Oil is received in sealed oil barrels. The oil
barrels should be stored in horizontal position with the lids on either side in horizontal
position to maintain oil pressure on them from inside and subsequently avoiding moisture and
water ingress into oil. The transformers are received on site with loose accessories hence the
materials should be checked as per bills of materials.

ISOLATOR
pg. 4

The use of this isolator is to protect the transformer and the other instrument in the
line. The isolator isolates the extra voltage to the ground and thus any extra voltage cannot
enter the line. Thus an isolator is used after the bus also for protection.

CONTROL AND RELAY PANEL

The control and relay panel is of cubical construction suitable for floor mounting. All
protective, indicating and control elements are mounted on the front panel for ease of
operation and control. The hinged rear door will provide access to all the internal components
to facilitate easy inspection and maintenance. Provision is made for terminating incoming
cables at the bottom of the panels by providing separate line-up terminal blocks. For cable
entry provision is made both from top and bottom . The control and relay panel accepts CT,
PT aux 230 AC and 220V/10V DC connections at respective designated terminal points.
220V/10V DC supply is used for control supply of all internal relays and timers and also for
energizing closing and tripping coils of the breakers. 230V AC station auxiliary supply is
used for internal illumination lamp of the panel and the space heater. Protective HRC fuse are
provided within the panel for P.T secondary. Aux AC and battery supplies. Each Capacitor
Bank is controlled by breaker and provided with a line ammeter with selector switch for 3
phase system & over current relay (2 phases and 1 Earth fault for 3 ph system). Under voltage
and over voltage relays. Neutral Current Unbalance Relays are for both Alarm and Trip
facilities breaker control switch with local/remote selector switch, master trip relay and trip
alarms acknowledge and reset facilities.

pg. 5

PROTECTIVE RELAYING
Protective relays are used to detect defective lines or apparatus and to initiate the
operation of circuit interrupting devices to isolate the defective equipment. Relays are also
used to detect abnormal or undesirable operating conditions other than those caused by
defective equipment and either operate an alarm or initiate operation of circuit interrupting
devices. Protective relays protect the electrical system by causing the defective apparatus or
lines to be disconnected to minimize damage and maintain service continuity to the rest of the
system. There are different types of relays.
i. Over current relay
ii. Distance relay
iii. Differential relay
iv. Directional over current relay
i. Over Current Relay
The over current relay responds to a magnitude of current above a specified value.
There are four basic types of construction: They are plunger, rotating disc, static, and
microprocessor type. In the plunger type, a plunger is moved by magnetic attraction when the
current exceeds a specified value. In the rotating induction-disc type, which is a motor, the
disc rotates by electromagnetic induction when the current exceeds a specified value.
Static types convert the current to a proportional D.C mill volt signal and apply it to a
level detector with voltage or contact output. Such relays can be designed to have various
current-versus-time operating characteristics. In a special type of rotating induction-disc
relay, called the voltage restrained over current relay. The magnitude of voltage restrains the
operation of the disc until the magnitude of the voltage drops below a threshold value. Static
over current relays are equipped with multiple curve characteristics and can duplicate almost
any shape of electromechanical relay curve. Microprocessor relays convert the current to a
digital signal. The digital signal can then be compared to the setting values input into the
relay. With the microprocessor relay, various curves or multiple time-delay settings can be
input to set the relay operation. Some relays allow the user to define the curve with points or
calculations to determine the output characteristics.
ii. Distance Relay
The distance relay responds to a combination of both voltage and current. The voltage
restrains operation, and the fault current causes operation that has the overall effect of
measuring impedance. The relay operates instantaneously (within a few cycles) on a 60-cycle
basis for values of impedance below the set value. When time delay is required, the relays
energizes a separate time-delay relay or function with the contacts or output of this timedelay relay or function performing the desired output functions. The relay operates on the
magnitude of impedance measured by the combination of restraint voltage and the operating
current passing through it according to the settings applied to the relay. When the impedance
is such that the impedance point is within the impedance characteristic circle, the relay will
trip. The relay is inherently directional. The line impedance typically corresponds to the
diameter of the circle with the reach of the relay being the diameter of the circle.

pg. 6

iii. Differential Relay

The differential relay is a current-operated relay that responds to the difference
between two or more device currents above a set value. The relay works on the basis of the
differential principle that what goes into the device has to come out .If the current does not
add to zero, the error current flows to cause the relay to operate and trip the circuit.
The differential relay is used to provide internal fault protection to equipment such as
transformers, generators, and buses. Relays are designed to permit differences in the input
currents as a result of current transformer mismatch and applications where the input currents
come from different system voltages, such as transformers. A current differential relay
provides restraint coils on the incoming current circuits. The restraint coils in combination
with the operating coil provide an operation curve, above which the relay will operate.
Differential relays are often used with a lockout relay to trip all power sources to the device
and prevent the device from being automatically or remotely reenergized. These relays are
very sensitive. The operation of the device usually means major problems with the protected
equipment and the likely failure in re-energizing the equipment.
iv. Directional Over current Relay
A directional over current relay operates only for excessive current flow in a given
direction. Directional over current relays are available in electromechanical, static, and
microprocessor constructions. An electromechanical overcorrect relay is made directional by
adding a directional unit that prevents the over current relay from operating until the
directional unit has operated. The directional unit responds to the product of the magnitude of
current, voltage, and the phase angle between them or to the product of two currents and the
phase angle between them. The value of this product necessary to provide operation of the
directional unit is small, so that it will not limit the sensitivity of the relay (such as an over
current relay that it controls). In most cases, the directional element is mounted inside the
same case as the relay it controls. For example, an over current relay and a directional
element are mounted in the same case, and the combination is called a directional over
current relay. Microprocessor relays often provide a choice as to the polarizing method that
can be used in providing the direction of fault, such as applying residual current or voltage or
negative sequence current or voltage polarizing functions to the relay.

pg. 7

DC POWER SUPPLY
I . DC Battery and Charger
All but the smallest substations include auxiliary power supplies. AC power is
required for substation building small power, lighting, heating and ventilation, some
communications equipment, switchgear operating mechanisms, anti-condensation heaters and
motors. DC power is used to feed essential services such as circuit breaker trip coils and
associated relays, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and communications
equipment. This describes how these auxiliary supplies are derived and explains how to
specify such equipment. It has Single 100% battery and 100% charger, Low capital cost, No
standby DC System outage for maintenance. Need to isolate battery/charger combination
from load under boost charge conditions in order to prevent high boost voltages.
I I . Battery and Charger configurations
Capital cost and reliability objectives must first be considered before defining the
battery and battery charger combination to be used for a specific installation. The comparison
given in Table 5.1 describes the advantages and disadvantages of three such combinations.
Capital cost and reliability objectives must first be considered before defining the
battery/battery charger combination to be used for a specific installation. The comparison
given describes the advantages and disadvantages of three such combinations
III . 400V DC Battery
Make: Exide
Capacity: 300 AH at 27
No. of Cells: 110 No.
Date of installation: 06/2001
Make: Universal,
Sr. No. : BC 1020/82
Date of manufacturing: 4/2000
Input Rating: Voltage: 415 V + 10 %
Output Rating : Float: 220 V, 10 Amp
Boost: 180 V, 30Amp

pg. 8

FUNCTIONS OF ASSOCIATED SYSTEM IN SUBSTATION

pg. 9