Functions of the substation with MV metering

A consumer substation with MV metering is an electrical installation connected to a utility supply system at a nominal voltage of 1 kV - 35 kV and generally includes a single MV/LV transformer which exceeds 1,250 kVA, or several smaller transformers. The rated current of the MV switchgear does not normally exceed 400 A.

The different functions of the substation are:

The substation
According to the complexity of the installation and the manner in which the load is divided, the substation:

• Might include one room containing the MV switchboard and metering panel(s), together with the transformer(s) and low-voltage main distribution board(s),
• Or might supply one or more transformer rooms, which include local LV distribution boards, supplied at MV from switchgear in a main substation, similar to that described above.

These substations may be installed, either:

• Inside a building, or 
• Outdoors in prefabricated housings.
  

Connection to the MV network
Connection at MV can be:

• Either by a single service cable or overhead line, or
• Via two mechanically interlocked load-break switches with two service cables from duplicate supply feeders, or
• Via two load-break switches of a ring-main unit.
  

Metering
Before the installation project begins, the agreement of the power-supply utility regarding metering arrangements must be obtained.
A metering panel will be incorporated in the MV switchboard. Voltage transformers and current transformers, having the necessary metering accuracy, may be included in the main incoming circuit-breaker panel or (in the case of the voltage transformer) may be installed separately in the metering panel.

Transformer rooms
If the installation includes a number of transformer rooms, MV supplies from the main substation may be by simple radial feeders connected directly to the transformers, or by duplicate feeders to each room, or again, by a ring-main, according to the degree of supply availability desired. In the two latter cases, 3-panel ring-main units will be required at each transformer room.

Local emergency generators
Emergency standby generators are intended to maintain a power supply to essential loads, in the event of failure of the power supply system.

Capacitors
Capacitors will be installed, according to requirements:

• In stepped MV banks at the main substation, or
• At LV in transformer rooms.
  

Transformers
For additional supply-security reasons, transformers may be arranged for automatic changeover operation, or for parallel operation.

One-line diagrams

The diagrams shown in Figure B19 represent:

• The different methods of MV service connection, which may be one of four types:

  - Single-line service
  - Single-line service (equipped for extension to form a ring main)
  - Duplicate supply service
  - Ring main service

• General protection at MV, and MV metering functions
• Protection of outgoing MV circuits
• Protection of LV distribution circuits

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Fig. B19: Consumer substation with MV metering

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