European Substation

1. Classification Based on Operating Voltage:

   • High Voltage Substations (HV Substations): Involving voltages between 11kV and 66kV.
   • Extra High Voltage Substations: Involving voltages between 132kV and 400kV.
   • Ultra High Voltage: Operating voltage above 400kV .

2. Classification Based on Type of Voltage:

   • A.C. Substation: EHV, HV, MV, LV; HVDC Substation.
   • DC Substation .

3. Classification Based on Indoor/Outdoor:

   • Outdoor Substation: Under open sky.
   • Indoor Substation: Inside a building .

4. Classification Based on Configuration:

   • Conventional Air Insulated Outdoor Substation.
   • SF6 Gas Insulated Substation (GIS).
   • Composite Substation: Combination of the two .

5. Classification Based on Construction:

   • Indoor Substation.
   • Outdoor Substation.
   • Gas Insulated Substation.
   • Underground Substation.
   • Pole Mounted Substation.
   • Plinth Mounted Substation.
   • Compact/Prefabricated Substation .

6. Classification Based on Application/Service Requirements:

   • Transformer Substations.
   • Switching Substations.
   • Power Factor Correction Substations.
   • Frequency Changer Substations.
   • Converting Substations .

7. Specific Types of Substations:

   • Step-up Substation: Directly connected to producing stations to increase voltage for efficient transmission.
   • Step-Down Substation: Linked to load centers to adjust transmission voltage levels.
   • Primary Substation: Connected to bulk load centers via primary transmission lines.
   • Secondary Substation: Located along secondary transmission lines close to loads.
   • Distribution Substation: Positioned where primary distribution voltages are stepped down .

8. Mobile and Industrial Substations:

   • Mobile Substation: Transitory in nature, primarily for large construction projects.
   • Industrial Substation: Dedicated to industries requiring bulk power supply .

9. Applications in European Countries:

   • Urban Redevelopment: Pad-mounted substations play a vital role in urban revitalization projects.
   • Underground Power Distribution: Ideal for densely populated areas where underground power distribution is preferred.
   • Renewable Energy Integration: Facilitates the integration of distributed generation from sources like solar PV systems and wind farms .

European substations are designed with strict considerations for insulation, lighting protection, clearances, and safe, reliable operations. They are critical for bulk power transfer and form the backbone of transmission grid infrastructure. With the transition towards renewable energy sources, these substations are increasingly important for efficiently connecting these sources to the existing grid .