RInfra to overcome space constraint for substations

Suburban power supplier Reliance Infrastructure (Rinfra) has evolved a solution to overcome space constraints in setting up power transmission and distribution infrastructure in congested cities.

Suburban power supplier Reliance Infrastructure (Rinfra) has evolved a solution to overcome space constraints in setting up power transmission and distribution infrastructure in congested cities.

HT Image

RInfra’s city transmission team is now executing a concept that helps company set up extra high voltage gas insulated substations at smaller spaces. Compact substation needs 35,00 sqm of space — 90% less than the requirement for air insulated conventional units.

The three newly designed compact substations will come up at Gorai, Goregaon and Saki Naka.

A substation plays a crucial role in distribution of electricity because it converts high voltage power into low intensity for carrying it to the users. Moreover, any substation needs to be near the load centres (users) to effectively reduce capital costs and technical losses.

RInfra officials said that smoother transmission and distribution had always been a challenge in view of city’s large distribution area of 384 sq km, dense population, busy roads and lack of space. To overcome this, the research team came up with an idea of constructing gas insulated substations in a vertical manner. This elevated structure has allied equipment such as switchgears, capacitor bank and auxiliaries placed on different levels.

Lalit Jalan, RInfra chief executive officer, said: “Our team relentlessly worked to come up with such a unique compact substation. We are proud of them. We do hope that this innovation may lay a forward path for other utilities in the country.”