Design, Development and Simulation of Mobile Substation for Distribution Network

Abstract

With the increase in population, the growing demand for energy in urban areas is compelling the utilities to expand their supply network. Higher levels of demand for power must be met at short notice and physical space available used to an optimum. One solution to such cases is a mobile substation. This does away with costly construction work and if necessary, the substation can move location in container, together with its foundation which includes switchgear as an assembly of equipment, transformer and control panel cabin.

Mobile substation is not a permanent part of the T&D grid structure like the fixed/ conventional substation, it plays vital role in maintaining the reliability & security of a utility's grid system. When mobile substation is used to restore electrical service, it function as part of the permanent grid system. The mobile substation can be used for special applications like a standby unit for peak load periods, restoring electrical service rapidly to areas subjected to blackouts, natural disaster, and acts of terrorism or war. The potential purpose of mobile substation includes planned maintenance, forced outage repairs, sabotage & attacks. The mobile substation can also provide temporary construction power for big projects or exhibitions etc. The mobile substations are likely to be very useful for many under developed countries in African sub-continent where lighting load is given by D.G. set.

Through careful planning and considerations of all parameters in close cooperation, it is possible to design such sub-station to have maximum mobility, reliability continuity of service by reducing downtime, electrical flexibility, reduced maintenance cost and considerable return on investment. The design aspects are presented in the project report.