{"id":13,"date":"2023-07-12T16:49:37","date_gmt":"2023-07-12T16:49:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.basicsubstationdesign.com\/?page_id=13"},"modified":"2025-09-12T00:21:30","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T00:21:30","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.basicsubstationdesign.com\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t

How Engineering and Construction Are Adversely Affected by the Crippled U.S. Supply Chain?<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

by the 3 Phase Associates “TEAM”<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

What has happened to the U.S. supply chain over the past decade or more significantly, in recent years? How has the past robust and seamless supply chain converged into the mess we have today? With the increases in technology, software, and artificial intelligence (AI) assisted improvements, why has the supply chain moved several steps backwards instead of many steps forward? How has the once acceptable durations of receiving and acquiring parts, supplies, connectors, and raw materials for performing manufacturing, assembly, construction, implementation, and so on, become so crippled?\u00a0<\/i><\/h5>\n
Click here to continue reading….<\/em><\/a><\/h5>\n\n\t\t\t\t\"Typical-Manufacturing-Facility\"\n\t\t\t\t\"Substation-Typical-scaled\"\n\t

Why Grid-Tied Solar Power Systems Are Recommended Over Other Solar Systems?<\/a><\/h2>\n

by the 3 Phase Associates “TEAM”<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Renewable energy and distributed energy resources (DERs)<\/a>\u00a0continue to flood the\u00a0electric utility grid<\/a>\u00a0providing cleaner and more sustainable energy. As the traditional power grid evolves into a\u00a0smarter electric grid<\/a>, environmental regulations push for more cleaner renewable energy sources. Solar PV electric power systems are leading the path in this effort with improvements in technologies, efficiencies, and cost reductions. The grid-tied solar systems are gaining popularity and becoming more favored over other solar electric systems.<\/i><\/h5>\n
Click here to continue reading….<\/em><\/a><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\"Grid-Tied-Solar-System-with-Backup-landscape\"\n\t\t\t\t\"Solar-PV-Module-landscape\"\n\t

Major Components for Improving Power Distribution Reliability<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

by the 3 Phase Associates “TEAM”<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Electric power<\/a>\u00a0has evolved from a simple need to a major necessity. Everyday we rely more and more on\u00a0electricity<\/a>\u00a0to do just about everything. When the lights go out, its not just a major inconvenience, but a catastrophe in some cases. A major focus for\u00a0power distribution utilities<\/a>\u00a0is to\u00a0deliver reliable power<\/a>\u00a0to its customers safely and at the lowest possible cost.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

Newer state-of-the-art,\u00a0digital devices<\/a>\u00a0are making it possible to achieve near perfect power reliability while offering more\u00a0monitoring and control<\/a>\u00a0functionality of electric grids. Smarter grids are evolving with improved and faster\u00a0automation systems<\/a>, working in harmony with:\u00a0IEDs<\/a>,\u00a0SCADA<\/a>,\u00a0FLISR<\/a>,\u00a0AMI<\/a>,\u00a0AMR<\/a>,\u00a0DMS<\/a>, EMS, OMS, etc.<\/em><\/h5>\n
Click here to continue reading….<\/em><\/a><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\"Testing2-1-landscape\"\n\t\t\t\t\"TL-6-landscape\"\n\t

Basics of Designing Power Substations<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

by Matt Cole<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Power substations are the most integral part of a\u00a0power utilities’ electric system<\/strong><\/a>. Substations make up the various electric systems – power generation, transmission, and distribution systems. Power substations consist of power transformers, voltage\/potential transformers, current transformers, electrical bus, foundations\/structures, circuit breakers, switches, outdoor cabinets, control house, fencing, etc.<\/em><\/p>\n

Many design aspects and processes go into\u00a0engineering and designing<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0a power substation from the ground up. This discusses the basic steps performed in planning and implementing a new substation.<\/em><\/p>\n

Click here to continue reading….<\/em><\/a><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\"Substation-2-min\"\n\t\t\t\t\"Bus-landscape\"\n\t

Is Your Legacy SCADA System Secure?<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

by Matt Cole<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

For the electric power industry and other service sectors,\u00a0Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA)<\/a>\u00a0has performed a crucial role by allowing better decision making through operating, controlling, monitoring and maintaining critical control systems.<\/em><\/h5>\n
With Smart Grid (SG) and Distributed Generation (DG) gaining more popularity results in more 3rd party stakeholders demanding access to utilities’\u00a0SCADA<\/a>\u00a0system. Some utility SCADA systems are older legacy systems that are in dire need of replacing in order to have:\u00a0 a more secure system, access to the latest vendor security patch updates, and to allow for better functionality, etc.<\/em><\/h5>\n
Click here to continue reading….<\/em><\/a><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\"Testing2-1-landscape\"\n\t\t\t\t\"Substation-13-min\"\n\t

Importance of an Adequate Substation Ground Grid Design?<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

by the 3 Phase Associates “TEAM”<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Designing substation ground mats is an important step in designing power substations. A proper grounding system is essential for human safety, especially during faulted conditions. For lower voltage panels and equipment, the NEC recommends maintaining a ground resistance of 25-ohms or less per NEC 250. With substations, the recommended ground grid resistance should be 5-ohms or less due to much higher voltages and increases in fault current, depending on substation size and voltage levels.<\/em><\/h5>\n
The main goal for a grounding system is to ensure that the path of least resistance for electrical current is not through personnel or equipment. A well-designed substation ground grid can uphold human safety for authorized personnel working in or around substations during faulted conditions. It is recommended to extend the substation ground grid outside the substation fencing for adequate protection.<\/em><\/h5>\n
Click here to continue reading….<\/em><\/a><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\"cropped-cropped-Capture9-1.png\"\n\t\t\t\t\"TL-2-min\"\n\t

Some Strong Utility Trends for 2019 and Beyond<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

by Matt Cole<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Major trends are happening within the\u00a0electric power industry<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>that are affecting the\u00a0electric power grid<\/a>. There are changes taking place with many power utilities and their stance on the typical power generation mix.<\/em><\/h5>\n
Many electric providers are making changes to their power portfolio by decreasing their demand on fossil power and nuclear generation; moving towards cleaner and greener power sources with\u00a0renewable resources<\/a>, such as: natural gas, wind, solar and energy storage. As the efficiencies increase and installation costs decline for these renewables<\/em>; this makes these generation assets much more attractive for\u00a0future utility investments<\/a>.<\/em><\/h5>\n
Some of these major utility trends will continue to evolve in 2019 and beyond.<\/em><\/h5>\n
Click here to continue reading….<\/em><\/a><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\"qtq80-rMGL0h-landscape\"\n\t\t\t\t\"Substation-11-min\"\n\t

Distribution Utilities Now Affected by NERC CIP Regulations<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

by Matt Cole<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

As\u00a0NERC CIP’s<\/a>\u00a0regulations and standards continue to evolve with the recent approval of\u00a0CIP-003-7<\/a>, new compliance regulations will affect the low voltage distribution providers. Previous CIP standards were considered only for voltage suppliers delivering power at transmission level voltages (100kV and above).<\/em><\/h5>\n
Click here to continue reading….<\/em><\/a><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\"qtq80-rMGL0h-landscape\"\n\t\t\t\t\"Substation-8-min\"\n\t\n

The Importance of Protection & Controls (P&C) and IEDs<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

by Matt Cole<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Protection and Controls (P&C) engineering<\/a>\u00a0and design is extremely important in power grid protection and coordination especially with the use of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). Proper P&C designs and coordination with protective relaying and IEDs is an essential part of\u00a0electrical power engineering<\/a>\u00a0for protecting large expensive power equipment such as: generators, transformers, transmission lines (TLs), power circuit breakers, electrical bus, etc.<\/em><\/h5>\n
Click here to continue reading….<\/em><\/a><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\"Substation-10-min\"\n\t

The Importance of Construction Permit Inspections<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

by Matt Cole<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The permit and inspection process<\/a>\u00a0is essential to ensure that codes, regulations, and safety are enforced to help prevent faulty or poor installations that could jeopardize human life. In most cases,\u00a0engineering blueprint drawings<\/a>\u00a0are required to be submitted along with the permit request which must be sealed by a\u00a0registered professional engineer (PE)<\/a>. Other permits with sealed drawing plans are required for each discipline, such as, architectural, civil, electrical, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing, structural, etc.<\/em><\/h5>\n
Click here to continue reading….<\/em><\/a><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\"qtq80-rMGL0h-landscape\"\n\t\t\t\t\"Substation-4-min\"\n\t\n

3D CAD Modeling and Substation Design<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

by the 3 Phase Design Team<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

3D CAD Modeling and 3D CAD Design<\/a>\u00a0enhances the design characteristics in many ways while providing several benefits. Design efficiencies are improved where traditional 2D drawing representations can be easily achieved from a completed 3D design versus manually drawing each 2D representation in CAD. Being able to view equipment, components, and systems in three dimensional space allows almost endless possibilities towards planning, implementation, construction, and manufacturing efforts, which is extremely important in the electric power industry. 3D CAD Design and Modeling is improving and aiding with\u00a0power substation designs<\/a>\u00a0compared with 2D designs ….<\/em><\/h5>\n
Click here to continue reading….<\/em><\/a><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\"cropped-Capture9\"\n\t\t\t\t\"Grid-Tied-Solar-System-with-Backup-landscape\"\n\t

The Importance of Arc Flash Analysis<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

<\/a>by Matt Cole<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Arc Flash Analysis<\/a>\u00a0is extremely important in power systems and electric facilities (including any other facility that is comprised of major electrical components) especially for upholding the safety and well-being, including protecting electrical workers from electrical arc bursts and hazardous conditions. OSHA, NFPA, NEC, and others require arc flash studies to be performed with arc flash warning labels to be placed on the exterior of electrical equipment, cabinets, and panels indicating the proper PPE required for ensuring the safety of employees, contractors, and vendors. There are several software packages available that can aid the power professional in performing an arc flash analysis.<\/em><\/h5>\n
Click here to continue reading….<\/em><\/a><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\"Substation-6-min\"\n\t\t\t\t\"Substation-4-min\"\n\t

Major Advances with Motor Control Centers (MCCs)<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

by Matt Cole<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

MCCs are most widely used in the utilities, manufacturing, industrial, and large commercial industries that operate machinery and motors. MCCs offer enormous flexibility across differing industries and are suitable for many applications, such as: utilities, communications, oil, gas, chemical, pulp, paper, water, waste, mining, metals, industrial production, and mass-production manufacturing. MCCs are used to house various power distribution equipment and controls such as: main distribution panels (MDPs), main circuit breakers (MCBs), protective relaying, transformers, load centers, panelboards, etc.<\/em><\/p>\n

Click here to continue reading….<\/em><\/a><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\"MCC-1\"\n\t\t\t\t\"MCC-3\"\n\t

The Best CAD Drafting and Design Practices<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

by Matt Cole<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Its always important to utilize\u00a0best design and CAD drafting practices<\/a>\u00a0when involved in creating design drawings for various industries, such as: utilities, industrial, commercial, residential, and others.\u00a0Performing CAD designs<\/a>\u00a0for drawings in\u00a0separate disciplines<\/a>\u00a0can be modified or created with different software package suites, like: AutoCAD, Revit, MicroStation, SolidWorks, Visio, etc. These electronic CAD tools help make the\u00a0CAD designers’<\/a>\u00a0job easier and still requires self-checking and reviews from the CAD operator for ensuring the highest\u00a0quality and accuracy<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

These drafting and design practice tips explained here can help improve your CAD drawings’ clarity and accuracy, including saving you time and efforts in preventing rework and redraws.<\/em><\/h5>\n
Click here to continue reading….<\/em><\/a><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\"Substation-5-min\"\n\t

A Basic Explanation Summary of How the Electric Power Grid Works<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

by Matt Cole<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Many wonder exactly how the electric power grid works from generation to\u00a0transmission to distribution<\/a>\u00a0and to the end users. There is more to electricity than simply turning on a light switch. Electric power has given us many conveniences and has improved our quality of life forever more, sometimes more than we can imagine. This provides a basic explanation of the electric power grid.<\/em><\/h5>\n
Click here to continue reading….<\/em><\/a><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\"TL-6-landscape\"\n\t\t\t\t\"Substation-1-min\"\n\t

Cybersecurity Considerations for Power Substation SCADA Systems Using IEC-61850 Communications<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

by Matt Cole & Others<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

When including security controls into a\u00a0SCADA system design<\/a>, it is sometimes difficult to separate design
\ngoals from security requirements. The foremost goal for a\u00a0SCADA system<\/a>\u00a0is to provide protection,
\nautomation, and data acquisition. This paper discusses major
\nvulnerabilities and cybersecurity considerations that require proper analysis when designing and
\nimplementing a secure IEC-61850 standard-based\u00a0SCADA system<\/a>\u00a0within a power substation.<\/em><\/h5>\n
Click here to continue reading….<\/em><\/a><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\"Testing2-1-landscape\"\n\t\t\t\t\"Substation-8-min\"\n\t

Recommended Solutions to Major Security Challenges Facing OT & IT Personnel within Smart Substation Environments<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n

by Matt Cole & Others<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The OT and IT convergence are a reality due to the integrated and complex computing networking and communications taking place within OT
\nenvironments. This paper reviews some of the major security challenges facing OT and IT convergence with power utilities, particularly within smart grid (SG) and smart substation environments.<\/em><\/h5>\n
Click here to continue reading….<\/em><\/a><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\"Substation-11-min\"\n\t\t\t\t\"Substation-9-min\"\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

How Engineering and Construction Are Adversely Affected by the Crippled U.S. Supply Chain? by the 3 Phase Associates “TEAM” What…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-13","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.basicsubstationdesign.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.basicsubstationdesign.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.basicsubstationdesign.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.basicsubstationdesign.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.basicsubstationdesign.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.basicsubstationdesign.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":80,"href":"https:\/\/www.basicsubstationdesign.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13\/revisions\/80"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.basicsubstationdesign.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}