Designing a 33/6.

6 kV switchyard involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure efficient,

reliable, and safe power distribution. This type of substation typically steps down the 33 kV voltage
for further distribution at the 6.6 kV level, often to industrial or larger commercial loads. Here's a
breakdown of the key aspects involved in designing a 33/6.6 kV switchyard:

1. Switchyard Type:

 Outdoor: More commonly used as primary substations by distribution companies to step

down 33 kV for further distribution at 11 kV or 6.6 kV.

 Indoor: Generally used for power distribution at medium voltage levels (33/11/6.6kV),
where transformers are located outside and switchgear is mounted inside the substation
building.

2. Key Equipment and Components:

 Power Transformers: 33/6.6 kV transformers are crucial for voltage step-down. They can be
located outdoors in either switchyard type. Transformer dimensions and handling
mechanisms (e.g., cranes, rails) need to be considered in the layout.

 Circuit Breakers: Vacuum circuit breakers (VCBs) are commonly used for medium-voltage
ratings like 11 kV and 33 kV, providing overload and short-circuit protection. In GIS (Gas
Insulated Switchgear) configurations, SF6 type circuit breakers might be utilized.

 Switchgear: This includes components like isolators (disconnecting switches) for isolating
equipment for maintenance, earth switches for grounding, current transformers (CTs) for
current measurement, and potential transformers (PTs) for voltage measurement. GIS
switchgear can be an indoor, gas-insulated, and metal-clad cubicle design.

 Busbars: These are conductors that connect various electrical equipment within the
switchyard.

 Control and Relay Panels: These panels house the protection relays, control switches,
metering instruments, and other control devices for the switchyard equipment.

 Auxiliary Transformers: Provide power for the switchyard's own needs. (e.g., lighting,
control systems)

 Cabling: Power cables (often bottom-entry), control cables, and their terminations are
essential for connecting the various components. Cable trench and tray layout designs are
critical.

 Earthing System: A properly designed earthing system is critical for safety and fault
protection. This includes calculating earthing system design and creating layout drawings.

 Lightning Protection: Providing adequate lightning protection (e.g., lightning arresters,

shielding towers) is crucial to protect the switchyard from lightning strikes.

 Structures: Support structures for busbars, insulators, and other equipment.

 Civil Works: Foundation designs for equipment, control room building, drainage, and
boundary walls.
3. Design Considerations:

 Single Line Diagram (SLD): A clear and detailed SLD showing the connection and
arrangement of all major electrical components is fundamental.

 Layout Design: Physical arrangement of equipment considering clearances, maintenance

accessibility, safety, and future expansion possibilities.

 Electrical Design Calculations: Short circuit calculations, relay settings, conductor sizing, and
voltage drop calculations.

 Protection Schemes: Selecting appropriate protection relays and schemes to ensure

selective and fast fault clearance.

 Control System: Designing the control and interlocking schemes for safe and efficient
operation of the switchyard.

 Safety: Incorporating features like interlocking mechanisms, safety clearances, and fire
protection systems.

 Standards and Regulations: Adherence to relevant national and international standards and
technical specifications.

 SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) Integration: For monitoring, controlling,
and acquiring data from the switchyard remotely.

 Environmental Considerations: Impact of weather, seismic activity, and other

environmental factors.

4. Design & Implementation Process:

 Detailed Scope of Work: Define the scope covering design, supply, installation, testing, and
commissioning of all electrical equipment, structures, cable works, and civil works.

 Data Collection and Site Survey: Gather site-specific information like load demand, available
space, soil conditions, etc.

 Feasibility Studies: Evaluate different design options and technologies.

 Single Line Diagram (SLD) Finalization: Developing the single line diagram based on the load
requirements and system configuration.

 Equipment Selection and Sizing: Choosing appropriate equipment based on technical

specifications and budget.

 Layout and Foundation Design: Preparing detailed layout drawings, foundation plans, and
civil structure designs.

 Electrical Design and Calculations: Performing detailed electrical calculations and selecting
protection schemes.

 Control and Relay Panel Design: Designing the control and relay panel and selecting the
necessary components.
 Cable Schedules and Interconnection Diagrams: Creating detailed cable schedules and
interconnection charts.

 Technical Specification Preparation: Documenting the technical specifications for all

equipment and components.

 Drawings Preparation: Developing detailed electrical, civil, structural, earthing, lightning

protection, and other drawings.

 Bid Evaluation and Vendor Selection: If necessary, evaluate bids from suppliers and
contractors.

 Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT): Witnessing factory acceptance tests of major equipment.

 Site Supervision and Commissioning: Supervising erection, testing, and commissioning at

the site.
1. Major components and their arrangement

 Incoming 33 kV Line Bays: These bays receive the incoming 33 kV supply. They typically
include equipment like:

 Overhead Line Structures/Towers: To support the overhead 33 kV lines entering the

switchyard.

 Lightning Arresters (LA): To protect the equipment from lightning surges.

 Isolators/Disconnecting Switches: To isolate sections of the busbar or equipment for

maintenance or fault clearance.

 Current Transformers (CTs) and Potential Transformers (PTs): For measurement and
protection purposes.

 Circuit Breakers (CBs): Often Vacuum Circuit Breakers (VCBs) at this voltage level,
used for switching and fault interruption.

 33 kV Busbar: The common point connecting all the 33 kV equipment. It can be a single
busbar or a double busbar system. A busbar provides flexibility in power routing.

 Power Transformers (33/6.6 kV): These transformers reduce the voltage from 33 kV to 6.6
kV. Transformer installation requires a strong and level foundation, adequate clearance for
cooling and maintenance, and proper grounding.

 Outgoing 6.6 kV Switchgear: This switchgear receives the transformed 6.6 kV supply and
distributes it to the feeders. It typically comprises:

 6.6 kV Switchboard Panels: Often consisting of VCBs, protection relays, and local
control arrangements.

 Outgoing Feeder Bays: To connect to the outgoing 6.6 kV distribution lines.

 Control Room: Houses the control and relay panels, SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data
Acquisition) system, and other auxiliary equipment for substation operation and monitoring.

 Auxiliary Equipment: Includes station transformers (for station power supply), battery banks
and chargers, LV AC and DC distribution systems, communication equipment, and
firefighting equipment.

2. Spatial arrangement and clearances

 Clearance Requirements: Maintaining adequate clearances between live parts, and between
live parts and ground, is crucial for safety and insulation coordination. This includes phase-
to-phase and phase-to-earth clearances, as well as vertical and horizontal clearances from
buildings and structures. For example, the minimum vertical clearance above ground for a
33 kV line is 5.2 meters.

 Equipment Spacing: Adequate space is needed for installation, maintenance, and safe
operation of equipment like transformers and circuit breakers.

 Cable Trenches/Trays: Organized cable trenches or trays are used for laying control and
power cables within the switchyard. These should be designed for proper cable laying,
dressing, and future replacement.
  Roads and Pathways: Easy access for personnel and equipment transport is essential.

3. Supporting infrastructure

 Earthing System: A robust earthing system with an earthing grid and electrodes is vital for
dissipating fault currents and ensuring personnel safety. The grounding system helps in
avoiding fatal electric shocks and protects the equipment by providing a low resistance path
for fault currents.

 Fencing and Boundary Walls: To prevent unauthorized access and enhance security.

 Drainage: Proper drainage facilities are essential to prevent water accumulation, especially
during the monsoon season.

 Lighting: Adequate illumination of the switchyard and control room for safe operation and
security.

 Structures: Steel structures or gantries are used to support the busbars and other outdoor
equipment.

4. Other considerations

 Single Line Diagram (SLD): A simplified representation of the electrical connections and
equipment in the substation, crucial for designing the layout plan.

 Site Specific Factors: The actual layout will be influenced by site-specific factors like land
availability, soil conditions, and proximity to load centres.

 Safety Measures: Safety protocols like LOTO (Lock-Out, Tag-Out) and precautions for
working in high voltage areas are paramount.

In summary, a 33/6.6 kV switchyard layout focuses on a logical arrangement of high-voltage and

medium-voltage equipment, transformers, control and protection systems, and supporting
infrastructure, all while adhering to safety standards and optimizing for efficient operation and
maintenance. The layout should also consider future expansion needs.