Download document () of 20
We make what matters work

Unit substation fundamentals

What is a unit substation?

A unit substation steps down utility distribution voltages to ideal in-plant distribution voltages that match operating conditions. They can be applied inside or outdoors and consist of a close-coupled assembly made up of three main parts: 

  • Primary electrical distribution equipment
  • A three-phase power transformer 
  • Secondary electrical distribution equipment
Line Drawing_Proof2
Front view outline of a unit substation configuration
There are two types of unit substations: primary unit substations and secondary unit substations. The two configurations are defined by the equipment voltage, the transformer rating and the type of equipment incorporated within the assembly. The transformer is the major component of the assembly and understanding what type of transformer technology to specify is the most important design consideration. Once the type of unit substation is determined, it is much easier to select the appropriate transformer. 

Primary unit substation

Primary unit substations are ideal for stepping down utility distribution voltages to in-plant distribution voltages. These customisable assemblies can be applied to primary voltage classes up to 69 kV and secondary voltage class starting at 34.5 kV and below.

All configurations meet applicable ANSI & NEMA® standards to provide complete electrical and mechanical control over coordination of the three close-coupled sections. Primary unit substations also offer exceptional design flexibility, allowing nearly any switchgear type as secondaries

For primary unit substations, the following electrical ratings are most typical:

  • Primary voltage: 6.9–69 kV
  • Transformer kVA: 500–20,000 kVA
  • Secondary voltage: 2.4 kV – 34.5 kV
primary-substation.jpg

The assembly can incorporate electrical and control equipment, including, but not limited to:

  • Air terminal chamber (ATC)
  • Medium-voltage load interrupter fusible switchgear, type MVS
  • Metal-enclosed circuit breaker switchgear, including:

    - Metal-enclosed breaker (MEB) switchgear
    - Metal-enclosed front accessible switchgear (MEF)
    - Metal-enclosed switch over breaker (MSB)
  • Metal-clad circuit breaker switchgear, type VacClad-W
  • Vacuum fault interrupter (VFI) – liquid-filled transformer only
  • Medium-voltage motor control assemblies, type Ampgard
  • Cover-mounted bushings (liquid transformer only)
  • Medium-voltage busway

 

Secondary unit substation

Customisable secondary unit substations are used to step down utility distribution voltage to in-plant distribution voltages when primary voltage classes are below 38 kV and secondary voltage classes range from 208 V to 600 V.

These configurations also meet applicable ANSI & NEMA® standards to provide complete electrical and mechanical control over coordination of the three close-coupled sections. A secondary unit substation often offers dedicated pull-apart terminal blocks and pre-made harnesses to eliminate the headaches associated with wiring control and communication devices within a substation.

For secondary unit substations, the following electrical ratings are most typical:

  • Primary voltage: 2.4–38 kV
  • Transformer kVA: 300–3750 kVA
  • Secondary voltage: 208, 240, 480 and 600 V

 

secondary-unit-sub-skid.jpg

The assembly can incorporate electrical and control equipment, including, but not limited to:

  • Air terminal chamber (ATC) – MV and/or LV
  • Medium-voltage load interrupter fusible switchgear, type MVS
  • Metal-enclosed circuit breaker switchgear, types MEB, MEF and MSB
  • Metal-clad circuit breaker switchgear, type VacClad-W
  • Vacuum fault interrupter (VFI) – liquid-filled transformer only
  • UL1558 low-voltage, metal-enclosed switchgear
  • UL891 switchboard
  • Low-voltage motor control centre
  • Low-voltage busway

Advantages of unit substations

Unit substations provide many advantages compared to traditional approaches of stepping down utility distribution voltages. For example, the close-coupled design allows the transformer and electrical equipment to be located in close proximity to the load concentration, which minimises the lengths of cabling and buses to reduce power losses and exposure to faults. This close-coupled design can also improve voltage regulation and service continuity.

Additionally, the unit substation design is inherently more compact than traditional approaches, helping to maximise footprint for revenue-generating equipment while reducing on-site labour and delivery costs. This straightforward design with simplified accessories also helps reduce maintenance costs.

Furthermore, standardisation of assembly configuration can be accomplished easily with all accessories and features meeting applicable NEMA and IEEE guidelines in order to quickly serve increasing power needs. And by using highly researched and thoroughly tested unit substation designs, you can achieve high short-circuit strength to reliably meet the demands of modern systems.

secondary-unit-sub-1-with-light.jpg

Transformer selection

To meet specific application needs, unit substations can incorporate liquid-filled and/or dry-type transformers. Specialist transformer designs are also available, enabling you to:

  • Meet the challenges of space-constrained entry points, for example when access is limited by a freight lift or doorway.
  • Incorporate a vacuum fault interrupter with powerful intelligence and secondary sensing to dramatically reduce incident energy in downstream equipment, enhancing safety when working on energised equipment is necessary
  • Additionally, a transformer selection guide is available to help the decision-making process easier.
transformer close coupled