132/33 KV GSS Karbigahiya, Patna – Detailed Substation Internship Report
INTRODUCTION
This project report focuses on the practical aspects of power transmission as observed during a
4-week internship at the 132/33 KV Grid Substation (GSS) located at Karbigahiya, Patna.
Operated by the Bihar State Power Transmission Company Ltd. (BSPTCL), this grid substation
plays a critical role in stepping down high-voltage electricity from 132KV to 33KV for local
distribution. The study aimed to understand the operation, control, protection, and distribution
mechanisms of the substation, including major components such as transformers, circuit
breakers, relays, busbars, isolators, and protection devices.
SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM OF 132/33 KV GSS KARBIGAHIYA
The single-line diagram (SLD) is a simplified representation of the substation’s components and
power flow. It includes incoming 132 KV transmission lines, step-down transformers, outgoing
33 KV feeders, circuit breakers, isolators, busbars, wave traps, and protection systems. The
SLD helps in understanding the overall layout, equipment interconnection, and operational
workflow of the substation.
OPERATING PRINCIPLE OF 132/33 KV GSS KARBIGAHIYA
The 132 KV transmission lines arrive at the Karbigahiya GSS through two main incoming
lines—one from Gaurichak power grid and another from Jakkanpur power grid. These
high-voltage lines are connected to the primary side of four 50 MVA transformers. Each
transformer steps down the voltage from 132 KV to 33 KV. The transformed output is routed
through a series of switching and protective devices (circuit breakers, isolators, current
transformers) before being sent to outgoing feeders. These feeders distribute power to different
localities and industries in Patna.
Each major component in the substation—such as transformers, buses, circuit breakers, and
isolators—is part of a control loop that ensures safe and uninterrupted power delivery. If any
fault or maintenance issue arises, specific sections can be isolated without disrupting the entire
system.
TRANSFORMER
Transformers are static devices that transfer electrical energy between circuits through
electromagnetic induction. The substation uses 50 MVA step-down transformers to convert
incoming 132 KV to 33 KV for local distribution.
Key Parts of Transformer:
● Oil Tank: Contains transformer windings and core immersed in insulating oil.
● Radiators: Dissipate heat through natural air cooling.
● Conservator: Provides space for oil expansion due to thermal variations.
● Silica Gel Breather: Removes moisture from air entering the conservator.
● Air Breather: Further assists in moisture removal.
● Drain Valve: Allows draining of oil during maintenance.
● Tap Changer: Adjusts transformer voltage ratios.
● Pressure Release Valve (PVR): Prevents internal pressure build-up.
● Temperature Meters (OTI/WTI): Monitor oil and winding temperatures.
RELAYS
Relays are protection devices that detect abnormal electrical conditions and initiate isolation by
tripping circuit breakers.
Types of Relays Used:
● Line Feeder Relays
● DC Supervision Relay (DC-1 & DC-2)
● DC Fail Relay
● AC Supervision Relay
● Distance Protection Relay
● Directional Overcurrent (DIR O/C) & Earth Fault (E/F) Relay
● Master Relay: Controls tripping and supervises impulse signals.
● Local Breaker Backup (LBB) Relay: Acts when all other relays fail.
● Transformer Differential Relay: Detects phase/magnitude differences.
● Buchholz Relay: Protects against internal faults and oil degradation.
BUSBAR
A busbar is a metallic strip or bar used for collecting electric power from incoming feeders and
distributing it to outgoing feeders. It forms the main junction point for current distribution.
Key Features:
● Main bus and transfer bus are used to maintain redundancy.
● Ensures reliable power flow even during maintenance.
CIRCUIT BREAKER
Circuit breakers are switchgear devices used to interrupt fault currents. They operate
automatically when protection relays detect overcurrent or short-circuit conditions.
Functions:
● Protect electrical circuits.
● Can be reset manually or automatically.
● Ensure continuity of service by isolating only faulty sections.
ISOLATOR
Isolators are manually operated switches that isolate a portion of the circuit for maintenance.
Types:
● Line Bus Isolator: Connected to inline bus.
● Transfer Bus Isolator: Connected to transfer bus.
Isolators are not intended to interrupt load currents and are operated only when the circuit is
de-energized.
BUS COUPLER
Bus couplers are used to connect two busbars without interrupting the power supply. They
facilitate load transfer and system reconfiguration during maintenance.
Key Role:
● Ensures continuity of supply.
● Prevents hazardous arcing.
● Used during generator and feeder maintenance.
LIGHTNING ARRESTER
Lightning arresters protect the substation equipment from high voltage surges caused by
lightning strikes or switching operations.
Working:
● Diverts surge to ground.
● Prevents insulation damage.
● Protects transformers and breakers.
Without lightning arresters, surges can cause equipment failure, fires, or damage to home
appliances.
WAVE TRAP
Wave traps are devices used to filter out high-frequency communication signals from entering
the substation equipment.
Functionality:
● Installed on high-voltage lines.
● Blocks frequencies used for Power Line Carrier Communication (PLCC).
● Ensures that high-frequency signals reach the desired receiver and are not lost in the
substation system.
BATTERY ROOM
The battery room houses backup power systems necessary for protection and control
operations in case of power failure.
Components:
● DC batteries for relays and control systems.
● Chargers and converters.
● Ensures uninterrupted operation of control gear during outages.
Note: Figures like single-line diagrams, transformer construction, circuit breaker
arrangements, etc., can be added as engineering schematics or textbook-style
illustrations upon request.
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