Substationen

Substationen is the German plural of "substation" and refers to facilities in electrical power systems where voltage is transformed, switching is performed, and protection and control equipment is concentrated. Substations connect generation sources, transmission networks and distribution systems, enabling efficient delivery of electricity across distances and to end users.

Typical functions of a substation include voltage transformation using power transformers, routing and switching via circuit breakers and disconnectors, protection and control through relays and automation systems, and monitoring of power quality. Common components are transformers, switchgear, busbars, instrument transformers, protection relays, control panels and, in many cases, reactive power equipment such as capacitor banks or synchronous condensers.

Substations are classified by role and voltage level: transmission substations operate at high voltages to interconnect transmission lines; distribution substations step down voltage for local distribution; collector substations serve generation plants; and switching or switching-only substations perform network reconfiguration without transformation. They can be outdoor (air-insulated), indoor (gas-insulated) or hybrid, and range from small pole-mounted units to large fenced installations.

Safety, reliability and maintenance are primary concerns, addressed by redundancy, protection schemes, grounding, physical security and regular inspection. Environmental and land-use considerations include noise, visual impact and oil containment for transformer fluids. Trends affecting substations encompass digital protection and control (smart grids), modular and prefabricated designs, increased automation and integration with high-voltage DC links and renewable energy sources.