Substation Technologies
Substation Architecture Protection
3-D Design for Electrical Substations
Substation Technologies
Restoring Power: The Mobile Solution
Power has weaved its way into nearly every intrinsic detail of our lives. It has become an afterthought during the course of the day and indeed, it is a staple in our way of life.
In July of 2019, in the heart of the nation’s capital, a Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) substation in Washington, D.C., experienced an equipment failure. In a matter of seconds, the power went out. The failure of the public utility transformer...
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3-D Design for Electrical Substations
Exploring 3-D design techniques for electrical substations BY MIKE MINELLI, & HAROLD HARKONEN, Nordmin Engineering Since the 1970s, engineering consulting firms typically have been designing substations using two-dimensional computer aided design software (CAD). This common technique produces...
A Closer Look into the True Cost of Replacing Electrical Switchgear
During my switchgear modernization presentations all over the US, I am constantly reminded of the concerns customers face with their aging electrical infrastructure. For the most part, these center around safety, reliability and productivity: • Replacements parts are very hard (or impossible)...
Circuit Breaker Lubrication
Developing circuit breaker lubrication procedures BY RICK YOUNGBLOOD, Doble Engineering Company Circuit breaker analyzers are used to determine operating speeds and velocity. This information enables the tester to determine if a breaker is safe to place back into service. The data recorded by a...
Latest Power Outage Statistics and Causes Tracker
As the world’s technological landscape continues to grow and the demand for electricity increases, so too do the occurrences of power outages. Check out Critter Guard’s curated list where we track power outages statistics and data below or check out our power outages infographic. Power...
Inside the Digital Substation Upgrade: Migrating to IEC 61850 Ed. 2.1, Process Bus, and Interoperable Testing
From Hardwiring to Data Networking The modernization of substations is as much a communications revolution as a protection one. For decades, copper conductors carried analog signals from instrument transformers to relays and controls. Each new circuit meant more wiring, more panels, and more room...
Grid Communications Infrastructure: Fiber, Wireless, and Networking Technologies
Reliable and secure communication infrastructure is essential to the safe and efficient operation of the modern power grid. As utilities transition to digital substations, integrate distributed energy resources (DERs), and deploy real-time monitoring systems, the need for robust, scalable grid...
Smart Substations and Their Role in the Evolving Smart Grid
A Smart substation digitizes protection and control, enabling utilities to detect faults faster, manage DER volatility, and reduce outage risk. The payoff depends on architecture, cybersecurity, and edge analytics, not just new relays. The shift toward smart substations is inseparable from broader...
FERC Complaint Targets Duke, PJM Transmission Planning
A coalition of large energy consumers and ratepayer advocates has filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), urging the agency to prohibit transmission owners from independently planning "local" transmission projects exceeding 100 kilovolts (kV). The coalition argues...
Digital Twins for Substations: Bridging the Physical and Digital Worlds
In the rapidly evolving landscape of power grid management, digital twin technology is emerging as a game-changer for substations. By creating virtual replicas of physical assets, digital twins bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, enabling enhanced operational efficiency and...
Climate Change Strains Global Electricity Networks: A Wake-Up Call
The increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters are placing unprecedented strain on the world's electricity networks, with severe implications for global energy security. According to a recent Bloomberg report, the effects of climate change are pushing many electricity grids to...