Operations of overhead and underground electrical substations include installation, maintenance, and operation of these substations, whose primary function is to transform and distribute electrical energy. Overhead substations are usually installed outdoors on poles, while underground substations are located inside buildings or underground. Both types play a vital role in the power distribution network, but there are differences in their advantages, disadvantages, and applications.
Overhead Substations:
Advantages:
Lower construction and maintenance costs, easier access for repair and maintenance, suitable for open areas.
Disadvantages:
Higher vulnerability to weather conditions, limited capacity, potential interference with the surrounding environment.
Applications:
Areas with open space and relatively low customer density, areas where space limitations prevent construction of underground substations.

 

Ground Substations:
Advantages:
Higher safety, reduced weather impact, greater reliability, suitable for densely populated and urban areas.
Disadvantages:
Higher construction and maintenance costs, requires more space, increased complexity in repairs and maintenance.
Applications:
Areas with high customer density, urban locations, places requiring high safety and reliability.
Main Equipment in Substations:
Transformer: for voltage conversion and adapting to network requirements.
Switches: for circuit interruption and equipment protection.
Insulators: for electrical isolation of equipment.
Surge Arresters: for protecting equipment against lightning and overvoltages.
Control and Monitoring System: for overseeing substation operation and remote control.