Basics of Distribution Substation

Distribution substations purpose

Distribution substations serve a wide range of private and public
customers in distributing electric power. They can be shareholder,
cooperatively, privately, and government owned.
All substations contain power transformers and the voltage-
regulating apparatus required for converting the high incoming sub-
transmission voltages to lower primary system voltages and
maintaining them within specified voltage tolerances. Those
voltages, typically 11 to 15 kV, are then sent to distribution
transformers and load substations for serving regional and local
customers.
The basic equipment in distribution substations
includes: transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, bus
bars, shunt reactors, power factor correction capacitors, lightning
arresters, instrumentation, control devices, and other protective
apparatus related to the specific functions in the power station.
Circuit breakers and other switching equipment in a substation can
be organized to separate a bus, part of a transformer, or a control
device from other equipment.
 Typical Distribution Substations
A typical distribution system consists of:
Sub-transmission circuits, which carry voltages ranging from
12.47 to 245 kV (of these, 69, 115, and 138 kV are most
common) for delivering electrical energy to the various
distribution substations.
Three-phase primary circuits or feeders, which typically
operate in the range of 4.16 to 34.5 kV (11 to 15 kV being most
common) for supplying the load in designated areas.
Distribution transformers rated from 10 to 2500 kVA, installed
on poles, on above-ground pads, or in underground vaults near
customers. These transformers convert primary voltage to
useful voltages for practical applications.
Secondary circuits at useful voltage levels, which carry the
energy from the distribution transformers along highways,
streets, or rights-of-way. These can be either single-phase or
three-phase lines.
Service drops and service laterals, which deliver energy from
the secondary circuits to the users service entrance equipment.
 Distribution Switchboards
A distribution switchboard is the point at which an incoming-
power supply divides into separate circuits, each of which is
controlled and protected by the fuses or switchgear of the
switchboard. A distribution switchboard is divided into a
number of functional units, each comprising all the electrical
and mechanical elements that contribute to the fulfillment of
a given function.
Consequently, the type of distribution switchboard must be
perfectly adapted to its application. Its design and
construction must comply with applicable standards and
working practices.
The distribution switchboard enclosure provides dual
protection:
Protection of switchgear, indicating instruments, relays, fusegear,
etc. against mechanical impacts, vibrations and other external
influences likely to interfere with operational integrity (EMI, dust,
moisture, etc.)
The protection of human life against the possibility of direct and
indirect electric shock
 Components of Switchboard
Inside a switchboard there will be one or more busbars. These are flat strips of
copper or aluminum, to which the switchgear is connected. Busbars carry
large currents through the switchboard, and are supported by insulators. Bare
busbars are common, but many types are now manufactured with an insulating
cover on the bars, leaving only connection points exposed.
The operator is protected from electrocution by safety switches and fuses. There
may also be controls for the supply of electricity to the switchboard, coming from
a generator or bank of electrical generators, especially frequency control of AC
power and load sharing controls, plus gauges showing frequency and perhaps
a synchroscope. The amount of power going into a switchboard must always equal
to the power going out to the loads.

A Modern Electric Switchboard A Traditional Electric Switchboard

Types of distribution switchboards
Distribution switchboards may differ according
to the kind of application and the design
principle adopted.
The principal types of distribution
switchboards are:
The main LV switchboard - MLVS
Motor control centres MCC
Sub-distribution switchboards
Final distribution switchboards
Main LV Switchboard (MLVS)
Motor control centres - MCC
Sub-distribution switchboards
Final distribution switchboards
 Distribution switchboards for specific
applications (e.g. heating, lifts, industrial
processes) can be located:
Adjacent to the main LV switchboard, or
Near the application concerned
Sub-distribution and final distribution
switchboards are generally distributed
throughout the site.
 Technologies of Distribution Switchboards

A distinction is made between:

Traditional distribution switchboards in which
switchgear and fusegear, etc. are fixed to a chassis
at the rear of an enclosure
Functional distribution switchboards for specific
applications, based on modular and standardized
design.
Traditional distribution switchboards
Switchgear and fusegear, etc. are normally
located on a chassis at the rear of the enclosure.
Indications and control devices (meters, lamps,
pushbuttons, etc.) are mounted on the front face
of the switchboard.
The placement of the components within the
enclosure requires very careful study, taking into
account the dimensions of each item, the
connections to be made to it, and the clearances
necessary to ensure safe and trouble-free
operation.
 Functional distribution switchboards
Generally dedicated to specific applications, these
distribution switchboards are made up of functional
modules that include switchgear devices together with
standardized accessories for mounting and
connections, ensuring a high level of reliability and a
great capacity for last-minute and future changes.
The use of functional distribution switchboards has
spread to all levels of LV electrical distribution, from
the main LV switchboard (MLVS) to final distribution
switchboards, due to their many advantages:
System modularity that makes it possible to integrate
numerous functions in a single distribution switchboard,
including protection, distribution switchboard
maintenance, operation and upgrades
Distribution switchboard design is fast because it simply
involves adding functional modules
Prefabricated components can be mounted faster
Thank You