Fundamentals of Electrical Substation and Switchyard Design, Safety and Maintenance

The main objective of this Fundamentals of Electrical Substation and Switchyard Design, Safety and Maintenance course is to empower professionals with:
• Understanding the basic purposes of electrical substations and switchyards
• Differentiating the different types of electrical substations and switchyards
• Grasping different elements in the design of switchyards and electrical substations
• Learning fundamental rules and guidelines used in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power
• Identifying and operating key equipment used in substations and switchyards
• Training in various layout options for switchyard apparatus
• Analysing earthing methods and lightning defence mechanisms for switchyards
• Using case studies and practical examples in planning their switchyard resources
Course Content
THE ROLE OF SUBSTATIONS IN AN ELECTRICAL NETWORK
• Introduction to networks
• Different voltages in a network
• Types and configurations of substations
• Optimizing the location of a substations
• Outdoor, GIS, and Indoor substations
• Substations as network nodes
• Substation types based on their placement in the electrical network
• Configurations of HV substations based on their bus layout
• Load assumptions for residential and commercial consumers
• Conservational issues in the layout of a switchyard and ways of recovery
OVERVIEW OF SWITCHYARD EQUIPMENT AND THEIR SPECIFICATIONS
• Primary equipment
• Layout options
• Busbars
• Disconnectors
• Structures
• Sectional and security clearances and their effect on the layout
• Design of busbars (strung/tubular) and interconnections between equipment
• Interconnecting cables and use of marshalling kiosks
PROTECTION DESIGN FOR SUBSTATION
• Brief outline of protection
• Protection coordination
• Protection of transformers
• Busbar safety
• Feeder safety
• Current transformers requirements for protection
• Equipment requirements for substation automation
SUBSTATION EQUIPMENT FOR FAULT LIMITING
• Static VAR compensators
• Harmonic filters
• Fault limiting reactors
• Power factor compensation equipment
• Equipment design and ratings
• The layout of the apparatus in a switchyard
EARTHING SYSTEM AND LIGHTNING PROTECTION OF SWITCHYARDS
• Basics of functional and protective earthing
• Touch and step voltages in substations
• Importance of the switchyard fence in the earth grid
• Safety mesh at operating points
• Purpose of the earth grid in conductor sizing and mesh spacing
• Role of shield wire and lightning masts
• Pros and cons of incorporating the control building inside the switchyard earth grid
• Transferred voltage hazards
• Scheduling the isolation of outgoing services to avoid transfer voltage
• Typical configurations of lightning protection of switchyards
• Investigation of hazards with a cone of protection and rolling sphere techniques
• Selection of lightning arrestors-Types, class and ratings
SWITCHYARD CONTROL AND INTERLOCKING
• DC equipment configuration and specifications
• DC distribution for switchyard equipment
• Planning the area and related facilities for battery installation
• AC auxiliary power for switchyard systems and loads which need AC power
• Possible source options
• Battery calculations basis
• AC auxiliary circulation for switchyard gear and support systems
• The control scheme of disconnectors and circuit breakers
• Control interconnection approach
• Use of optical fibre-based control scheme
• Role and location of marshalling kiosks in different bays
SWITCHYARD FACILITY PLANNING
• Site preparation, levelling
• Earth resistivity measures and its importance in switchyard design verification
• Civil mechanisms such as equipment groundworks, cable trenches, control building, storm drains, and transformer oil collection pit
• Switchyard structures and their design prerequisites
• Substation fence and physical security
• Surveillance
• Planning water requirements and supply arrangement
• Fire protection, illumination and ventilation of the relevant areas and equipment

Methodology
The training methodology integrates lectures, interactive discussions, collaborative group exercises, and illustrative examples. Participants will acquire a blend of theoretical insights and hands-on practical experience, emphasizing the application of learned techniques. This approach ensures that attendees return to their professional environments equipped with both the competence and self-assurance to effectively implement the acquired skills in their responsibilities.

DATE:

1ST BATCH:        11th – 14th Feb, 2025    

2ND BATCH:       15th – 18th July, 2025