Electric power substations interconnection

An electric power substation is a facility that provides a junction between parts of the power grid. The substation s functions, critical for the proper operation of the power system, include the interconnection of power lines from different parts of the system the monitoring and control of system operating conditions and the protection of the power system equipment. 

The North American electric power transmission system has been described as the largest, most complex machine ever built by humanity. It is a massive network of generating stations, transmission lines, substations, distribution lines, motors, and other electrical loads all interdependently linked for the conversion, transportation, and control of electrical energy. Approximately 60 percent of all energy utilized in the United States passes through the interconnected electric power system. The major goal of the system is to most efficiently and reliably deliver electric power from generating stations to residential, commercial, and industrial consumers. 

Each wind turbine in a wind farm generates power independently and sends its power to a transformer located at the base of the tower. Submarine cable interconnects each turbine with up to a dozen other turbines to create an array. Specialized cable installation vessels and underwater cable installation equipment connect the turbines and embed the electrical cable up to 2 meters below the seabed. Each array is then connected to the central substation or an ESP. The power... 

Individual onshore turbines are interconnected with a medium voltage (usually 34.5 kV) power collection system and communications network by underground cables. At a substation, the medium-voltage electrical current is increased in voltage via a transformer for connection to the high-voltage National Grid system. 

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