sähkövirtaasemien

Sähkövirtaasemien, often translated as electrical substations, are crucial components of the electrical grid. Their primary function is to modify the voltage of electricity. Power plants generate electricity at a relatively low voltage, but for efficient transmission over long distances, this voltage needs to be significantly increased. Substations contain transformers that step up the voltage for transmission lines.

As electricity travels closer to consumers, its voltage needs to be reduced in stages. Substations located near towns and cities perform this voltage reduction, stepping down the high transmission voltage to a lower distribution voltage suitable for local networks. Further substations then reduce this distribution voltage to the levels used in homes and businesses, typically around 230 or 400 volts in many countries.

In addition to voltage transformation, substations also house equipment for switching, protection, and control. Circuit breakers and fuses protect the grid from overloads and short circuits, while switches allow for the isolation of sections of the grid for maintenance or in case of faults. Control systems monitor the flow of electricity and manage the operation of the substation. These facilities are essential for ensuring a reliable and safe supply of electricity to end-users.