Conference Paper

Fundamental Concepts in Substation Design

James R. Lusby
Black and Veatch

Paner

No

93 D2

0-7803-0940-5/93/$3.001993 IEEE 0

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FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS IN SUBSTATION DESIGN

James R. Lusby, P.E. Project Manager Transmission and Distribution Division Black 8c Veatch ABSTRACT: Electric utility substations vary widely in design and appearance, depending on the purposes for the substation and its location. A 69/13.8 kV distribution substation near a rural community, for example, w l be quite different in design and possibly appeari l ance from a 500/230 kV substation at a nuclear power plant. The fundamental design concepts, however, are the same. This paper describes some of the basic concepts which are common in the design of all substations, and provides a general outline for substation design in an appendix. Substations and their component systems are described, along with the various bus configurations and types of construction in use today. (d) To control power flow in the utility system by switching elements into or out of the utility system. To provide sources of reactive power for power factor correction or voltage control. To provide data cOncerning system parameters (voltage, current flow, power flow) for use in operating the u i i y system. tlt

(e)
(f)

When the utility system is discussed, it is almost always the "ac" or alternating current system that is referred to. Electric energy in the United States and throughout the world is generated and consumed as ac electric energy. Most utility system interconnections are synchronous ac connections at a transmission network voltage level. Some utility systems are interconAn overview of substation design and general nected asynchronously using direct current systems, or information for the planning and preparation required "dc." These dc interconnections are not common, and to design a substation are also presented. are much higher in capital cost than comparable ac interconnections. What is a Substation? A substation is an installation that interconnects There are many kinds of ac substations. elements of an electric utility's system. These elements Generating station substations transform generation can include generators, transmission lines, distribution voltage (usually 15 kV through 23 kV) up to translines, and even neighboring utility systems. It is mission network voltage (usually 69 kV through common to refer to the transmission and distribution 500 kV). Transmission switching substations interelements as networks or again, as systems. Depending connect portions of the utility system transmission on the size and complexity of a particular utility system, network, but do not include transformation between the transmission and/or distribution networks may voltage levels. Transmission step-down (or step-up, include more than one voltage level. For instance, a depending on your point of view) substations interutility's transmission network may include 115 kV and connect portions of the utility system transmission 230 kV transmission lines, while another utility's dis- network, and include transformation between transtribution network may include both 13.8 kV and mission network voltage levels. Distribution step-down 34.5 kV distribution lines. substations may or may not interconnect portions of the utility system transmission network, include transformaThe functions of a substation may include one or tion between transmission network and distribution following: network voltage levels, and interconnect portions of the utility system distribution network. Distribution subTo isolate a faulted element from the rest stations interconnect portions of the utility system of the utility system. distribution network, and may include transformation To allow an element to be disconnected between distribution voltage levels. from the rest of the utility system for maintenance or repair. DC interconnections are made with one of two To change or transform voltage levels specialized types of substations. The first type, ac/dc from one part of the utility system to or dc/ac conversion stations, interconnect the ac another. transmission network of one utility system with a dc

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transmission line or network. The dc line or network connects with one (or more) other conversion stations. The second type, ac/dc/ac (back-to-back) conversion stations, interconnect the ac transmission network of one utility system with the ac transmission network of another utility system. In effect, this is two conversion stations on the same site with the dc transmission line inside the converter building.

Both the switchyard and the control building are constructed on a site that must be made secure, sometimes screened from the public, and has adequate access to public roads for the delivery and removal of large equipment and structures. Following are descriptions of the various systems of a typical substation, including the functions and components of each system.

Substation Svstems Experienced substation designers break a substation down into smaller pieces so that they can develop design criteria, prepare calculations, write specifications for purchasing and construction, and prepare descriptive drawings. Defining substation systems and then dealing with each of them individually makes substation design manageable and understandable, and these small pieces are the systems that together make up a substation.
A substation system is a set or arrangement of components so related or connected to perform a common function. Each system has a definable function to which the system components contribute. A substation consists of many systems which may be broadly classified into the following categories:

Site-Related Svstems Site-related systems are those that have to do with substation security, appearance, and access. These systems include the following. Securitv Fence/Wall Svstem. The security fences/wall system prevents entry of unauthorized persons to the substation, provides adequate electrical clearance from energized buses and equipment to areas accessible to the public, and provides entry to the substation for equipment delivery, removal, and maintenance. For some substations, another function of this system is to screen the substation from the public. The components of the security fence/wall system are the fence or wall, the gates that allow entry to the substation, and the below-grade foundations that support the fence or wall.

Site Access Svstem. This system allows access to the substation from public roads, and access inside the substation fence/wall for the installation, removal, and maintenance of the substation equipment, buswork, and structures. The site access system includes the (e) access road from the designated public road to the A typical substation consists of a switchyard and substation, and the access ways and corridors estaba control building of some kind, as shown in Figure 1. lished within the substation. The switchyard is usually the outdoor, open air Site Grading, Drainage, and Surfacing insulated, high voltage portion of the substation. i However, the switchyard can still be a r insulated, but Svstem. The site grading, drainage, and surfacing enclosed within a building for aesthetic or environ- system provides a reasonably level switchyard for access mental reasons. A switchyard can also be metal- to equipment, positive drainage of storm water from enclosed and SF, gas insulated, thus requiring a the switchyard, a driveable surface within the smaller area than a comparable air insulated switchyard, and a layer of constant resistivity crushed switchyard. Gas insulated switchyards (GIS) can be rock above the ground grid for personnel safety. The site grading, drainage, and surfacing system includes installed either outdoors or indoors. the drainage facilities and surfacing materials selected. The control building contains the equipment that Drainage facilities may simply consist of sloping the protects, controls, and monitors the switchyard. The switchyard from a higher elevation at the center to a control building may be a small pre-engineered metal lower elevation at the fence lines, or may include a building, or a large masonry and steel frame control/ series of collection basins piped together and switchgear building that houses both protection, collectively drained to a retention facility such as a control, and metering equipment, and distribution pond or the city storm-water sewer system. switchgear.

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Site Related Systems. Switchyard Systems. Control Building Systems. Protection, Control, and Metering Systems. Auxiliary Systems.

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FENCE OR WALL

ACCESS
........... ....., .....

. . .....-.. . . .. ...., ......

......

... ...... ,

/. .--...... ...
-

PUBLIC ROAD

Figure 1. Typical Substation

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Siie LandscaDinQSvstem. The site landscapBus Svstem. The bus system interconnects the ing system beautifies the site and complements the sub- high voltage portions of the various components of the station fence/wall to screen the substation from public switchyard to form the required bus configuration for view. This system includes the various plantings and the substation. any sprinkler (irrigation) facilities selected for the particular substation. The components of the bus system include the rigid and strain bus conductors, the fittings used to connect the bus conductors to the switchyard equipSwitchvard Svstems Switchyard systems are those that describe the ment, and the insulators that support the bus facilities installed in the substation high voltage conductors. switchyard. These systems include the following. Measurinq and Relavinq Communications Switchinq EauiDment Svstem. The switching Equipment Svstem. The measuring and relaying equipment system connects and disconnects elements communications equipment system provides low voltage of the substation or utility system from the rest of the or low current inputs to the protective relaying and substation or utility system. Some components of this metering equipment which are proportional to the system, such as the circuit breaker, are capable of voltage or current which exists in the substation buses interrupting (disconnecting) the very large quantities of and equipment, and transmits protective relaying equipcurrent associated with electrical short circuits, or ment communication signals on transmission line confaults. Other components can switch (connect or dis- ductors. The measuring and relaying communications connect) normal levels of load current, and some can equipment system includes potential transformers be operated only if little or no current is flowing. (PTs), coupling capacitor voltage transformers Some components are normally operated electrically (CCVTs), current transformers (CTs), bushing current from a remote location; others can only be operated transformers (BCTs), line traps, and line tuning units. manually at the component location. Other less widely used components include bushing potential devices and linear couplers. The components of the switching equipment system include circuit breakers, circuit switchers, circuit Reactive Power Compensation Equipment reclosers, and disconnect switches. Power fuses can Svstem. The reactive power compensation equipment also be included in this system. The supporting system supplies large quantities of capacitive or reactive foundation for circuit breakers and any other system power for power factor improvement or voltage conequipment not supported by a switchyard structure are trol, limits fault current on buses or distribution lines, also included within this system. and supplies low impedance tuned paths to ground for harmonic voltages, which are "nuisance" voltages Power Transformation Equipment Svstem. occurring at frequencies above 60 hertz. The power transformation equipment system transfers power between voltage levels in the utility system. In The components of the reactive power compeneffect, the components of this system create the trans- sation equipment system include capacitor banks and mission and distribution voltage levels of the utility reactors, installed individually or in combinations. The system. Power is generated at the voltage level of the most common form of reactive power compensation is generator, and must be transformed up to transmission the installation of bulk capacitor banks within a subvoltage levels, then back down to distribution voltage station which are switched on or off to supply capacilevels by power transformers. The components of this tive power to the system. Current limiting reactors are system are the various types of power transformers sometimes installed on distribution feeders to add found throughout the utility system, such as generator impedance to the feeder source impedance, thus limitstep-up transformers, transmission step-up trans- ing the current that can flow if the feeder is faulted. formers, and distribution step-down transformers. The Harmonic filters are installed in HVDC stations to supporting foundation and oil spill containment short or shunt harmonic voltages to ground, thus prefacilities for the power transformers are also included venting these harmonic voltages from entering the within this system. utility system. The supporting foundations for any

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Linhtina and Communication Svstem. The system equipment not supported by a switchyard struclighting and communications system illuminates the ture are also included within this system. switchyard for security, illuminates switchyard Direct Stroke and Surge Protection Svstem. equipment for emergency switching and repair, and The direct stroke and surge protection system protects provides a means for personnel to be paged and to use the switchyard and control building from being struck telephone communications. The lighting and communiby lightning, and protects the insulation system of the cations system includes the various light fwures, switchyard equipment from transient, high voltages lighting control devices and interconnecting wiring, and entering the substation from the transmission or distri- the telephone and paging devices and interconnecting bution systems. These transient voltage waves can be wiriing installed throughout the switchyard. caused by lightning strikes to the transmission or distribution lines, or from switching of the transmission Control Building Svstems Control building systems are those that describe system. The components of this system include the shielding masts and wires and the surge arresters the structure and supporting facilities that compose the installed within the switchyard. The supporting founda- control building. These systems include the following. tions for lightning masts are also included within this Buildinn Architectural Svstem. The building system. architectural system provides a durable, weatherproof, Switchvard Support Structure Svstem. The and attractive enclosure for the substation equipment switchyard support structure system provides support requiring indoor installation. The components of the for the switchyard equipment and bus at the elevations building architectural system include the roof, walls, needed for adequate electrical clearance from grade to interior partitions, doors, windows, penetrations, floor the bus or equipment live parts, and terminates out- coverings and paints, and plumbing. The selection of going transmission or distribution line conductors building appearance and colors would be made as part within the switchyard. The components of this system of the design of this system. Fireproofing of walls and include the various stands for disconnect switches, roof would also be designed as part of this system. measuring equipment, bus support insulators, surge Building Structural Svstem. The building arresters, and termination structures for overhead or underground transmission and distribution lines. The structural system supports the roof and walls of the foundations for the structures would be included within building, and equipment mounted within the building, and provides level floors within the building. The this system. components of the building structural system include Grounding Svstem. The grounding system the structural steel frame, floors, and foundation. protects personnel within the substation from encounBuilding Space Conditioning Svstem. The tering large potential differences during voltage or current transients, provides a low impedance path to building space conditioning system provides a clean, true earth for proper protective relaying operation, and uniform temperature and humidity environment within dissipates into the earth large current flows from the building, and exhausts fumes and odors from inside lightning strikes or faults. The components of the the building. This system is also known as the heating, grounding system include the buried ground rods and ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The conductors that form the ground grid, and the con- components of the building space conditioning system ductors, called stingers, that attach equipment and are the heating, air conditioning, and ventilating devices installed within the building; the ductwork used to dissupport structures to the grid. tribute or collect air within the building; and the Racewav Svstem. The raceway system con- controls that operate the system equipment. tains, supports, and protects from physical damage Building Grounding Svstem. The building control and power cables within the switchyard. Most switchyard raceway system components are installed grounding system protects personnel from electric below grade. The components of the raceway system shock by connecting equipment enclosures to the within the switchyard can include cable trench, duct substation grounding grid and provides low resistance banks, conduit, manholes, junction boxes, and pull paths to ground for protective relaying equipment. Depending on the types of equipment installed within boxes.

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the building, the building grounding system may also provide a low impedance path for fault current flow to ground. The building grounding system is connected to the switchyard grounding system and is actually an extension of the switchyard grounding system. The components of the building grounding system are the ground rods and conductors buried below the ground floor slab that extend the switchyard ground grid below the building, the conductors that ground the steel frame of the building, and the conductors that ground the raceway and equipment enclosures within the building.

some combination of the three. The action taken can be the tripping (opening) or closing o a switching f device such as a circuit breaker. The protective relaying system for a given substation is subdivided into relaying schemes, each scheme designed to monitor and protect a portion (zone) of the substation or utility system. Examples are the protection of power transformers, substation buses, or transmission lines. The components of this system include the various relays and associated relaying communications equipment that make up the protective relaying schemes for the substation.

Buildinq Racewav Svstem. The building raceway system contains, supports, and protects from physical damage control and power cables within the control building. The components of the building raceway system can include cable trench, cable tray, conduit, electrical metallic tubing, wireway, junction boxes, and pull boxes. Buildinq Liqhtincl and Communication Svstem. The building lighting and communications system illuminates the exterior entrances to the building for security and the interior of the building for operation and maintenance of the equipment installed within the building, emergency egress, emergency operation and repair of equipment within the building, and provides a means for personnel to be paged and to use telephone communication.
The components of this system include the various light fMures, lighting control devices and interconnecting wiring, and the telephone and paging devices and interconnecting wiring installed throughout the control building. The switchyard lighting and communications system is an extension of this system.

Control Svstem. The control system provides a means of manually operating electrically operated devices, either from within the substation control building, or from a remote operating (dispatch) facility, and monitors selected system parameters and automatically operates equipment under normal circumstances within preset limits. Devices that are manually operated by this system can include circuit breakers, circuit switchers, power transformer load tap changers, and motor-operated disconnect switches. Examples of normal automatic operation are the changing of power transformer taps or the switching on or off of capacitor banks. The components of the control system include the control switches mounted on the control panels within the control building, the automatic control schemes installed within the control panels within the control building, and the SCADA equipment which allows remote operation of the substation equipment. Meterinq Svstem. The metering system provides a quantitative measurement o system parameters f and displays those measurements for operator information or for record. Meters can show the amount of voltage to ground or between phases of substation buses, the amount of current flowing in a substation bus, transmission line, or transformer, or the amount of instantaneous, average, or accumulated real or reactive power flowing through a substation bus, transmission line, or transformer. The metering system can also input to the SCADA equipment, displaying readings of system parameters at the remote dispatch center. The components of the metering system include the meters installed on the control panels within the control building. Also included are the transducers that convert system parameters into SCADA input signals.

Protection, Control, and Meterina Svstems Protection, control, and metering systems describe the protective relaying, local and remote control, indication, monitoring, annunciation, and metering equipment included in most substations. These systems include the following.

Protective Relavinq Svstem. The protective relaying system protects substation equipment or the utility system from damage and limits the damage of faulted equipment by monitoring the operation of the utility system and by taking action automatically if the Indication and Annunciation Svstem. The parameters being monitored exceed the limits preset indication and annunciation system informs operating for the relaying system. The parameters being personnel of the status of switchyard equipment (open monitored can be voltage, current, or frequency, or or closed) and draws attention to the misoperation or

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abnormal condition of substation equipment. The indication of equipment status can be displayed with indicating lights installed on the control panels within the control building or displayed in the remote dispatch center via the SCADA equipment. The annunciation of equipment misoperation can be displayed by a flashing annunciator window and horn within the control building or displayed in the remote dispatch center via the SCADA equipment.

The components of t i system are the various hs types of insulated cables used throughout the substation.

Fire Protection Svstem. The fire protection system detects and a l a r m s fires within the control building or in the area of major switchyard equipment such as power transformers and provides a means of extinguishing fires.

Auxiliarv Svstems This system includes the various detectors and Auxiliary systems describe the auxiliary power alarm system devices that detect fires and the extinfacilities, interconnecting cabling, and fire protection guishers, hose cabinets, deluge systems, and other equipment that are included in most substations. devices to extinguish fires. These systems include the following. Bus Confiaurations AC Station Service Svstem. The ac station The equipment and buses installed in the service system supplies electric power for the normal substation switchyards are arranged and connected in operation of equipment auxiliaries, space conditioning, specific ways to form bus configurations. The industry and lighting within the substation. Equipment a d - has developed several standard bus configurations that aries include power transformer cooling pumps and vary in complexity, cost, and reliability. fans, power transformer load tap changers, circuit breaker operating mechanism compressor motors, and The standard bus configurations are the radial equipment enclosure space heaters. The components bus, sectionalized radial bus, main and transfer bus, of this system include the system source transformers, single breaker double bus, ring bus, one-half breaker, transfer switches, panelboards, transformers required to breaker and one-half, and double breaker double bus. reduce voltage levels within the system, and safety The layout of a substation for any particular conswitches required for equipment power disconnection. figuration may vary to accommodate differences in equipment type, size and arrangement, and site specific DC Station Service Svstem. The dc station criteria. service system supplies reliable electric power for the operation of the protection and control systems, for the Radial Bus emergency egress of personnel, and operation of the The radial bus configuration is shown in substation. The dc station service system is normally Figure 2, and consists of one main bus to which lines, sourced from the ac station service system through the transformers, and shunt capacitor banks are connected battery chargers which convert ac power to dc power. through circuit breakers, circuit switchers, or motorIf the ac station service system loses its sources, the dc operated or manually-operated disconnect switches. station service system continues to supply power to its connected loads from the substation battery for a preRadial bus substations are the simplest to determined period. The components of this system operate, but have the least system reliability and include the substation battery, battery charger, transfer flexibility of operation. Bus faults and failure of a switches, and panelboards. breaker to operate for a fault require an outage of the complete substation. In radial bus substations, it is Power and Control Cable System. The necessary to take an outage of a circuit to perform power and control cable system interconnects the low periodic or emergency maintenance on its associated voltage measurement and control components of the circuit breaker. equipment within the switchyard and control building to implement the various protective relaying, control, As shown in Figure 3, breaker bypass switches metering, indication, and station service systems. This can be installed to allow removal of a circuit breaker system includes low voltage cables, usually rated from service for maintenance without an outage of the 600 volts or less. associated circuit, but this leaves the circuit without

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4
Ir

Main Bus
A

k E l ~ E : r

I I I I
Figure 2. Radial Bus
Main Bus Circuit Breaker Normally Open Bypass Switch Disconnect Switch

,-j ,$

Disconnect Switch

Circuit Leading To Other Substations

Figure 3. Breaker Bypass Switch

relay protection. When the breaker is isolated for maintenance, the bypass switch is closed, and the circuit breaker and its associated disconnect switches are opened. Al protective relaying and control for the l circuit at the local substation are removed from service when the circuit breaker is isolated. A fault on the circuit with its associated circuit breaker bypassed requires an outage of the complete substation. Advantages of the radial bus substations over other configurations are lowest cost, small required land area, ease of expansion, simple operation, and simple protective relaying. Disadvantages include low reliability, low flexib&ty of operation for maintenance, and the removal of the substation from service in cases of bus faults and failure of a breaker. The radial bus configuration is generally applied in substations from

1.

Circuit

distribution voltage through 161 kV and in locations ciated disconnect switches are opened. Reliability and protection are not compromised during maintenance. where system reliability is not critical. Considerable attention must be given to the selection Sectionalized Radial Bus of the protective relaying for the transfer circuit The sectionalized or split radial bus is shown in breaker. Figure 4, and is a modification of the radial bus. This The advantages of main and transfer bus subconfiguration is two radial buses tied together through a sectionalizing or bus tie circuit breaker. The sec- stations when compared to other configurationsinclude tionalizing circuit breaker can be operated normally the small land area required, ease of expansion, open or normally closed, depending on system require- increased flexibility of operation over radial bus or split ments. Bus faults or the failure of a breaker (other radial bus, and the fact that any breaker can be than the tie breaker) to operate for a fault requires an removed from service without an outage of the circuit served. Disadvantages over the radial bus are the outage of only the affected bus section. increased cost, increased complexity of operation, The grouping of circuits on bus sections is increased complexity of protection, and no improvedetermined by examining system operating criteria. ment in reliability. Circuits should be arranged to prevent outages on The main and transfer bus configuration is gensimilar or redundant circuits. Circuits fed from the same source or circuits feeding the same load should erally applied in substations from distribution voltage through 161 kV and in locations where system reliabe on different bus sections. bility is not critical. Breaker bypass switches can be applied in sectionalized radial bus substations and operate the Sinqle Breaker Double Bus same as in radial bus substations. The single breaker double bus configuration (Figure 6) is a modification of the sectionalized radial Sectionalized radial bus substations offer the bus. This configuration consists of two main buses advantages of small land area, increased reliability over connected through a tie circuit breaker. Each circuit radial bus, increased flexibility of operation over radial has one circuit breaker that can be connected to either bus, and ease of expansion. Disadvantages when com- main bus through disconnect switches. This configurapared to the radial bus include increased cost, tion allows circuits to be connected to either main bus increased complexity of operation, and increased com- to balance load, separate critical circuits, or place plexity of protective relaying. sources on each bus, and allows all circuits to be connected to one bus in case of an outage on the other The sectionalized radial bus configuration is bus. Switching of a circuit from one bus to the other generally applied in substations from distribution is not automatic, and requires manual switching. voltage through 161 kV and in locations where system reliability is not critical. Single breaker, double bus substations have the same advantages and disadvantages as the split bus Main and Transfer Bus radial, and additional disadvantages includingincreased The main and transfer bus is shown in Figure 5, cost over split radial bus, increased complexity of and is another modification of the radial bus. This protective relaying over split radial bus because of the configuration consists of a main bus and a transfer bus. requirement for switching of bus relaying current transAll circuits are connected to the main bus through former secondary circuits. circuit breakers and to the transfer bus through transfer switches. The main and transfer buses are conThe single breaker double bus configuration is nected through a transfer bus circuit breaker. generally applied in substations from distribution voltage through 161 kV and in locations where system The transfer bus circuit breaker protects a circuit reliability is not critical. It is also the least common of during maintenance of its associated circuit breaker. the radial bus configurations discussed. When a circuit breaker is removed from service for maintenance, the transfer circuit breaker and its Ring Bus associated disconnect switches are closed, the transfer The ring bus configuration (Figure 7) is in reality switch for the circuit breaker to be serviced is closed, a series of sectionaliied radial buses connected and the circuit breaker to be maintained and its asso- together to form a ring. Each bus is called a position.

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f
Main Bus No. 1
a

Bus-Tie Circuit Breaker

Main Bus No. 2

L B r e aCircuitr k e

x
J

Disconnect Switch

Circuit

*
Main Bus

Figure 4. Sectionalized Radial Bus

Figure 5. Main and Transfer Bus

This configuration allows for any circuit breaker Sometimes a transmission line and a transformer are to be removed from service for maintenance without an paired on one ring position. outage on any circuit. In this configuration, only one position is Line disconnect switches are often installed to removed from service for a circuit or bus fault. The circuit breakers which serve the faulted position are allow a line to be removed from service and the ring to opened. The failure of a breaker to operate for a line remain intact. The two circuit breakers sourcing the or bus fault will cause two positions to be removed line are opened, the line disconnect switch is opened, and then the two circuit breakers are closed. from service.

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7

v
Main Bus No. 2

7
T

Transfer Breaker Circuit

Figure 6. Single Breaker Double Bus

Ring bus substations are highly reliable and flexible to operate. They are generally limited to a maximum of eight positions to prevent splitting of the ring. Sources of generation or redundant circuits should not be terminated on adjacent positions of the ring bus. This prevents a failed circuit breaker from removing two sources of generation or two feeds to the same load from service. Ring bus substations have the advantages of high reliability, flexible operation, and low cost when compared to the breaker and one-half configuration, removal of any breaker from service without circuit outage, and the possibility of expansion to breaker and one half configuration. The disadvantages are the complex protective relaying and control and the eight-position limitation. figuration, one of the breakers is usually at the other end of the transmission line. In Figure 8, Substations A, B, C, D, and E form an extended ring bus. The advantages of this configuration are the same as for the ring bus, and on an individual substation basis, the costs are even lower than for the radial bus. The one-half breaker configuration is generally applied in substations from 69 kV through 161 kV,and in systems where several substations are located near each other.

Breaker and OneHalf The breaker and one-half configuration is shown in Figure 9, and consists of two main buses. Connected between the main buses are bays which A circuit is The ring bus configuration is generally applied in consist of three circuit breakers. substations from 115 kV through 345 kV, and in terminated between each two circuit breakers. In this limited application at 500 kV in locations where high configuration, each circuit has a dedicated circuit breaker and shares a circuit breaker with the adjacent system reliability is a requirement. circuit, resulting in one and one-half breakers per circuit. One-Half Breaker The one-half breaker configuration, shown in Frequently, a substation is designed to operate Figure 8, is a variation of the ring bus concept on a multiple substation basis. As with the ring bus, two initially as a ring bus up through expansion to six breakers must be tripped to isolate a faulted line or positions. Beyond six positions, the substation evolves transformer. In the case of the one-half breaker con- to a breaker and one-half configuration.

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Load

t
Source

+-v-4 f twBL+
Circuit Disconnect Switch Source

.t

Load

Figure 7. Ring Bus (Four Position)

Sub A Sub D r - - - -1

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Figure 8. One-Half Breaker Configuration

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1

No. 1

I$-

x +

? t
Disconnect S wi tcli

Circuit Breaker

Main B u s

Figure 9. Breaker and One-Half

Two types of breaker and one-half contlgurations, conventional and folded, are shown in Figures 9 and 10. In the conventional arrangement, transmission lines must pass over one of the main buses, causing line termination structures to have higher pull-off points. Also, installation of line traps, current transformers, and disconnect switches in the lines is difficult. The folded arrangement locates line termination structures outside the main buses, allowing conventional pull-off heights to be used. Installation of line traps, current transformers, and disconnect switches in the lines is relatively easy. Also, the folded arrangement can be "fitted to oddly shaped sites more easily than can the conventional arrangement. a main bus and a circuit to operate for a main bus fault requires that only the circuit adjacent to the circuit breaker be removed from service. The failure of a circuit breaker between two circuits to operate for a fault requires the two adjacent circuits be removed from service. This configuration allows any circuit breaker to be removed from service for maintenance without an outage on any circuit. Line disconnect switches are sometimes installed to allow a circuit to be removed from service and all circuit breakers to remain closed.

In this configuration, only one circuit, the faulted Breaker and one-half substations are very relicircuit, is removed from service for a fault. A main able and flexible in operation. Sources of generation bus fault does not require that circuits be removed or redundant circuits should not be connected in the from service. The failure of a circuit breaker between same bay. This prevents a failed breaker from

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Line Disconnect Switch

Main Bus No. 1

Main Bus No. 2

Disconnect Switch

Figure 10. Folded Breaker and One-Half removing two sources of generation or two feeds to the requires that no circuits be removed from service. The same load from service. failure of a circuit breaker to operate for a bus fault requires only that the circuit terminated in that bay be Advantages of breaker and one-half substations removed from service. over other configurations are very high reliability, very flexible operation, removal of any breaker from service T i configuration allows any circuit breaker to hs without a circuit outage, and ease of expansion, with no be removed from service for maintenance without an limit on the number of bays. Disadvantages are the outage on any circuit. Line disconnect switches are large land area required, the high cost, and the com- usually not required. plex protective relaying and control. Double breaker double bus substations are the The breaker and one-half configuration is gen- most reliable and are very flexible to operate. They erally applied in substations from 230 kV through ultra- require no separation of sources of generation or high voltages, but can be applied at 69 kV, 115 kV, redundant circuits. 138 kV,and 161 kV. Because of its high reliability, it is often applied at major generation facilities and at Double breaker double bus substations have the locations where system reliability is critical. advantages of very high reliability, very flexible operation, the fact that breaker removal for maintenance will Double Breaker Double Bus not cause an outage, and ease of expansion. DisThe double breaker double bus configuration is advantages include high cost, the large land area shown in Figure 1 and consists of two main buses. required, and the complex protective relaying and 1 Connected between the main buses are bays consisting control. of two circuit breakers, and between the circuit breakers, a circuit. In this configuration, each circuit A large substation may include both breaker and has two dedicated circuit breakers. Only the faulted one-half bays and double breaker double bus bays to circuit is removed from service for a fault. A bus fault take advantage of the features of both.

4
Figure 11. Double Breaker Double Bus
The double breaker double bus configuration is generally applied in substations from 230 kV through ultra-high voltages, nuclear generating facilities, major generation facilities, and locations where system reliability is very critical.

Bus No. 2

Usually, some bus configurations can be eliminated from consideration for a particular substation on the basis of its function. A radial bus configuration would not be considered for a nuclear generating station, nor would a double breaker, double bus configuration be considered for a distribution substation. Selection of a bus configuration for a particular subComparison of Bus ConfiQuration The following tabulation compares the relative station should always take into account the ultimate constructed costs and levels of reliability of each anticipated development and function of that installaconfiguration for a substation serving six transmission tion. Figure 12 shows at what voltage levels each lines. configuration is typically applied. Approximate Tvpes of Construction per Unit Cost Reliability The types of construction typically used for Radial 1.00 6 switchyards in the US include the box structure, low Sectionalized Radial 1.17 5 profile rigid bus, low profile strain bus, and gas Main and Transfer 1.29 4 insulated types. Single Breaker 1.29 4 Box Structure Double Bus The box structure is generally applied at 138 kV One-half Breaker 0.8-1.25 3.5 and below. It requires the least amount of land area Ring Bus 1.25 3 and uses layers of bus, disconnect switches and related Breaker and Oneequipment, one above the other, connected with verHalf tical bus runs, and supported on a common structure. The support structure is generally structural steel con--Conventional 1.45 2 struction. Rigid or strain bus can be used. The bus --Folded 1.48 2 configurations most easily applied with a box structure Double Breaker 1.75 1 are radial, split bus radial, main and transfer, and Double Bus
D2-15

69 _ 138 161 kV - -kV _ 115 _ _ _ _kV - _ kV

Radial/Sectionalized Radial Main and Transfer Single Breaker Double Bus Ring Bus Breaker and One-Half Double Breaker Double Bus One-Half Breaker

230 kV

345 kV

500 kV

Figure 12. Typical Bus Configuration Voltage Levels

single breaker, double bus. This construction is construction. Figures 17,18, and 19 show a typical low generally considered the least attractive, and is profile strain bus substation. predominantly installed in rural or industrial locations. Figures 13 and 14 show a typical radial bus box struc- Gas Insulated Construction ture substation. Gas insulated construction consists of completely enclosed.buses and equipment insulated with SF6 gas. Low Profile Riaid Bus Because of the excellent insulating properties of this Low profile rigid bus construction has become gas, very compact phase spacings and therefore, subwidely used and is generally applied from 69 kV stations, can be constructed. Gas-insulated substations through EHV and UHV levels. The main and cross are generally installed where land area for the subbuses run horizontally on two relatively low levels with station is extremely limited and/or environmental conthe substation equipment supported on individual struc- tamination is severe. Since gas insulated substations tures. This construction requires more land area than are shipped as factory-assembled units or modules, the box structure but provides a much less massive field erection time and cost are reduced. AU bus conappearance. Rigid bus is used to allow minimum figurations can be applied using this construction. It is phase-to-phase spacings. All of the bus configurations generally applied from 115 kV through EHV levels. can be applied using this construction. This construction is generally installed in all locations, and has been Comparison of Constructions successfully installed in residential areas. Figures 15 All of these constructions have applications for and 16 show a typical low profile, rigid bus substation. which they are best suited. If a 115 kV substation is needed to serve an industrial complex in a purely indusLow Profile Strain Bus trial area, appearance is not a principal criterion in the Low profile strain bus construction is similar in design. To provide guidance in the selection of the concept to the low profile, rigid bus construction, best construction for a given situation, the tabulation except that overhead strain buses are used. It is gener- below ranks each construction in terms of overall cost, ally applied from 69 kV through EHV and UHV levels. land area required, and appearance. A similar bus Wider phase spacings must be used to compensate for configuration with an identical number of circuit strain bus movement. Thus, strain bus substations breakers, switches, lines, etc., is considered for each generally require larger land areas than do comparable construction. A ranking of one is assigned the lowest rigid bus designs. Also, strain buses must contain in cost, least in land area required, and best in multiple conductors to have equivalent ampacity ratings appearance. with rigid bus. Strain bus designs are extensively used Land Area at UHV levels because the very large phase spacings - Reauired Cost Amearance required make the support of rigid bus more costly. Also, strain bus is used in high seismic areas to allow Outdoor Box 1 2 4 some movement of equipment and bus during seismic Structure events. All bus configurations can be applied using this

D2-16

Figure 13. Radial Bus (Box Structure), Plan View

Cost
Outdoor Low Profile Outdoor Strain Bus Outdoor Gas Insulated

Land Area ReQuired 3

4

ADDearance

3
2
4

2
3
1

a pleasing and acceptable appearance to the neighborhood. These techniques may include one or more of the following: a. b. c. d. e. f. Perimeter wls to enclose the substation. al Special architectural materials in the construction of major structures. Extensive landscaping. Extra land for a buffer zone. Earthen berms in the buffer zones to give additional concealment. Completely enclosed gas insulated substation with underground transmission line entrances.

As can be seen from these rankings, selection of the type of construction to be used is a complex process which must be made in the context of the site chosen. This selection directly impacts the cost of a particular substation.

The use of special techniques to improve the Aesthetic Considerations appearance of substations increases their overall cost, When a major substation must be located in an but the good will generated from their use often proves urban, residential area, utilities often incorporate to be a prudent investment. special architectural techniques into the design to give

D2-1 7

Station Post Insulator

Figure 14. Radial Bus (Box Structure), Section A-A Following project authorization, the conceptual An Outline for Substation Design Attached as an appendix to this paper is an design step establishes the basis for the detailed design outline of the steps in the planning, design, and of the substation. Basic information concerning the construction of a substation. The first step is to substation site is collected. Culminating this step is the identify the need for the substation and what require- preparation of the design criteria report which documents it must meet, both when first constructed and in ments the design basis for the project. the future. The voltage levels, numbers of lines to be Detailed design of the substation includes preconnected, and level of reliability required are determined. The basic milestone dates for the project paring the design calculations and drawings needed for are established. A preliminary one-line diagram and both the construction of the substation and as site arrangement plan are prepared. Several alternate permanent documentation of the substation. Design sites may be identified and a preferred site may be drawings should always be arranged so that future additions can be incorporated into them as they are selected. made. Once the need and basic requirements are deterThe equipment and materials needed for the mined, the project is planned. This step includes establishing a detailed schedule for the design and substation are usualy purchased at the same time as construction of the project, and preparing a preliminary the detailed design is being prepared. Equipment cost estimate for the project. This step usually leads to information must be included in the fmal design, and obtaining authorization of the project by utility some design must be performed before some of the materials can be purchased. This step includes management.

D2-18
I

Electrical Connection

High Bus

and Bus Support

Figure 15. Low Profile Rigid Bus, Plan View

High Rigid Bus

Figure 16. Low Profile Rigid Bus, Section A-A

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Figure 17. Low Profile Strain Bus

High Strain Bus

Figure 18. Low Profile Strain Bus, Section A-A

Suspension

Figure 19. Low Profile Strain Bus, Section B-B

Performing these steps will provide a well preparing the specifications and bills of material planned and designed substation, and a reliable needed for purchasing the equipment and materials. permanent record of the as-constructed substation. The construction of the substation must be Conclusion described in some form of specification whether the Design of a reliable and cost efficient substation construction is performed by construction contractors, or by the utilities own personnel. The design drawings begins with the establishing of need through system that have been prepared for the substation also planning. It then progresses through an optimizing analysis in conceptual design that balances reliability, describe the construction to be performed. aesthetic considerations, ultimate development, and During construction, the design engineers should cost; and culminates in detailed design in which calinspect the work to verify that it is being performed in culations, drawings, and specifications are prepared. accordance with the specifications and drawings that While this paper has discussed important concepts in have been prepared for the substation. This step also substation design, the extent to which each topic was includes maintaining an accurate record of field discussed has understandably been limited by time and space. The author recommends that substation changes made to the design during construction. designers obtain and refer at length to the publications After construction is complete, the design listed below: drawings should be revised to include the field changes Design Guide for Rural Substations, US made during construction, so that an accurate as-built 1. Department of Agriculture, Rural Electrification record is provided. This becomes very important when Administration Bulletin 65-1, June 1978. future additions are made to the substation. The project design criteria report should also be updated to Guide for Design of Substation Rigid-Bus accurately reflect the design basis for the substation. 2. Structures, IEEE Standard 605-1987.

D2-21

3.
4.

"Guide for Safety i Substation Grounding," 5. n IEEE Standad 80-1986. "Guide for Determining the Maximum Electric Power Station Ground Potential Rise and Induced Voltage from a Power Plant," IEEE Standad 367-1987.

"The Rolling Sphere Method of Lightning Protection for Substations: A Practical Application," by Jeff C. Camden, Black & Veatch, 1990.

D2-22

APPENDIX AN OUTLINE FOR SUBSTATION DESIGN

This appendix lists activities that should be performed for the complete design of almost any substation. All of the steps listed are necessary, but the party performing each step may vary depending on the capability of the utility for which the substation is being designed. Large utilities perform almost all of these activities themselves, whereas small utilities may delegate most of the activities to a consulting engineer. What is important is that it be clearly understood which activity is to be performed by which party. I. System Planning Identify the need for the substation. C. Develop the electrical and structural design criteria to be used for the project. T i includes determining the electrical hs clearances and spacings to be used. Determine the need for aesthetic treatments and environmental constraints that will affect the design. Select the equipment and bus ampacity ratings based on load flow and fault studies performed for the project. Obtain a site topographical survey for use in the grading and drainage design. Obtain soil borings at the site and perform laboratory tests to determine the soil parameters needed for foundation design. Perform soil resistivity tests at the site to determine the values needed for the grounding design. Develop the protection and control schemes to be used for the substation and transmission lines. Prepare a Project Design Criteria Report which documents the design basis for the substation.

D.

E.

A.

F.
B. Identify the voltages to be included, and the numbers of lines to be connected, both initially and ultimately, based on the best planning studies available. Perform system load flow and fault studies to supply data needed for conceptual design. Select a location for the substation based on area needed and line routing. G.

C.

H.

D.

I.
1. 1

Project Planning A. Prepare a project CPM schedule. The schedule evolves from a basic list of milestone dates determined during system planning to a complete design, procurement, and construction schedule. B. Prepare a project cost estimate. This estimate is prepared initially during system planning or conceptual design, updated during detailed design, and finalized as equipment and material procurement and construction are completed. IV.

J.

Detailed Design
A.

Prepare the substation protection and control one-line diagrams. Prepare the electrical and structural site plan drawings. This includes any required landscaping and architectural wall design. Prepare the switchyard bus and equipment arrangement plan, section, and detail drawings. Prepare the switchyard direct stroke lightning shielding analysis, and add the shielding masts and wires to the arrangement drawings.

B.

111.

Conceptual Design A. Based on the results of system planning, develop a preliminary substation and system one-line diagram. T i includes hs selecting the bus configurations to be used. B. Based on the preliminary substation oneline diagram and the location selected, develop a preliminary substation site plan.

C.

D.

D2-23

E. F.
G.

Prepare the switchyard support structure drawings. Prepare the switchyard foundation design, foundation plan, and d e t d drawings. Prepare the switchyard grounding design, grounding plan, and detail drawings. Prepare the switchyard raceway design, raceway plan, and detail drawings. Prepare the switchyard lighting design, lighting plan, and detail drawings. B. Prepare the control building equipment arrangement plan and elevation drawings. Prepare the control building architectural plan and detail drawings. Prepare the control building structural steel design and structural steel plan, and section and detail drawings, if required. Prepare the control building foundation design, foundation plan, and detail drawings. Prepare the control building grounding design, grounding plan, and detail drawings. C.
A.

3.
4.

Control (dc) schematic diagrams. Panel internal wiring diagrams. Interconnecting wiring diagrams. Circuit and raceway list.

5.
6.

V. Equipment and Material Procurement

H.
I. Prepare specifications and/or bills of material and procurement documents needed to purchase the equipment and materials for the substation. Bid, evaluate, and award contracts/ purchase orders for equipment and materials. Review manufacturers' shop drawings for equipment and materials. Revise the design drawings to reflect the actual equipment purchased.

J.
K. L.

M.

VI. Construction Document Preparation A. Prepare specifications and procurement documents needed to contract for construction of the substation. Generally two contracts are awarded, as follows.
1.

N.

General construction to prepare the site and construct foundations and the control building. Electrical construction to install grounding, raceway, equipment, structures, bus, cables, etc.

2.

0. Prepare the control building raceway

design, raceway plan, and detail drawings. P. Prepare the control building lighting design, lighting plan, and detail drawings. Prepare the control building space conditioning design, space conditioning plan, and detail drawings. Prepare the protection and control drawings for the substation, then include the following:
1.

B.

Bid, evaluate, and award contracts for construction. Review contractor shop drawings for contractor-furnished equipment and materials. Review contractor field tests of concrete strength, soil compaction, etc., for compliance with the construction specification.

Q.

C.

R.

D.

2.

Protection and control panel front VII. Construction Management elevation drawings. The activities for construction management vary widely depending on the utility's preferences. T h r e e - l i n e (ac schematic) Usually, constructioncontract administrationand diagrams.

D2-24
7-

construction inspection are performed. As-built field records are kept.

B.

VIII.

Engineering Completion A. Revise the design drawings to include any as-built field changes.

Update the Project Design Criteria Report with any changes made during the project to maintain an accurate final record of the design basis.

D2-25