Electric substations have taken on increasing importance as the nation continues to work toward a sustainable energy future. At the heart of the electrical distribution system, they act as hubs, collecting power from generating plants and then retransmitting and distributing it across the points in a network.
Substation design and engineering presents its own set of challenges and requirements. For example, ensuring that there is an adequate ground system at the location is critical to the proper functioning of the substation, as well as to the safety of workers and visitors on the site. This requires careful upfront testing and making design adjustments accordingly, focusing on many variables, including:
- Soil variability – Moisture, temperature, composition and resistivity (the electrical properties of the soil and its ability to carry return current and disseminate fault currents) can impact the performance and stability of the grounding system.
- Grading – Grading a site in order to prepare it may require the addition or removal of soil. This can alter the makeup of the native soil, which is what is originally tested and used in the substation design.
- Soil erosion – The removal of vegetation during foundation excavation can cause soil erosion and stormwater runoff.
- Arsenic – Too much residual arsenic in the soil surrounding the substation can pose a long-term challenge since it doesn’t degrade over time.
The demand for multidisciplinary expertise
Electrical substations are a growing segment of Blymyer’s business. We have designed more than 50 substations in various states, including Alabama, California and Colorado, with a total capacity of over 7,530MW. (See the project gallery for more information.)
Analyzing the ground system, as outlined above, is just one of the many facets of the substation design process we are involved in. “It is a multifaceted process, and involves a multitude of capabilities and skill sets,” explains Alexey Kondrashov, Blymyer, Director of High Voltage Projects.
Full scope engineering
- Physical design
- Electrical/protection and control
- Equipment
- Studies
- Transmission line design
- Transmission-related studies
“Blymyer is one of the few firms in the industry to have substation, solar, and energy storage engineering capabilities under one roof,” continues Kondrashov. “From safety to environmental concerns, a lot of planning needs to go into these projects. Coordinating the multiple steps requires an exceptional attention to detail, and our team works to ensure that everything is executed flawlessly. That’s the advantage of working with us.”
With significant investments in grid modernization and the adoption of smart grid technologies now underway, municipal governments and utilities in the U.S. and internationally are focusing on upgrading aging infrastructure and integrating renewable energy sources. This will necessitate the construction of new substations and the refurbishing of existing ones. “We expect demand for our substation services to continue to increase over the next several years, and look forward to new and exciting opportunities,” adds Kondrashov.
To learn more about our substation capabilities, visit the EPC section of our website.