European Standard Compact Substation

European Standard Compact Substation

TheEuropean Standard Compact Substationis afully integrated, space-efficientpower distribution solution designed to meetEuropean safety and performance standards. It combinesmedium-voltage (MV) switchgear, a distribution transformer, and low-voltage (LV) switchgearwithin a single, weatherproof enclosure, ensuringreliability, efficiency, and safetyfor industrial, commercial, and urban applications.

Unlike conventional substations, thiscompact modular unitreduces installation space while providingseamless power distribution, lower transmission losses, and enhanced energy efficiency. Compliant withIEC 62271-202, it offersrobust electrical protection and high operational reliability.

Key Features:

  • Compact, fully enclosed design– Enhances safety and reduces maintenance.
  • Quick installation– Factory-assembled for easy deployment.
  • Advanced protection & monitoring– Ensures system reliability.
  • Energy-efficient– Minimizes transmission losses and improves power quality.
  • Customizable configurations– Available in various voltage and power ratings.
  • Durable & weatherproof– Suitable for indoor and outdoor environments.

Widely used inrenewable energy plants, construction sites, mining, data centers, and railway electrification, theEuropean Standard Compact Substationis theideal choicefor modern power distribution, offeringhigh performance, safety, and efficiency.



What is the IEC standard for compact substation?

TheIEC standard for compact substationsis primarily defined underIEC 62271-202, which provides guidelines for prefabricated and factory-assembled medium voltage/low voltage (MV/LV) substations. This standard ensures that compact substations are designed, manufactured, and tested to meet the highest safety, reliability, and operational efficiency requirements.

IEC 62271-202 covers thetechnical requirements, safety considerations, environmental performance, and testing methodsforcompact secondary substations (CSS)used inpower distribution networks up to 52 kV. The standard applies to fully enclosed substations that integrateMV switchgear, a transformer, and LV switchgearwithin a single, prefabricated enclosure.

Key Requirements of IEC 62271-202 for Compact Substations

  • Structural Integrity:The enclosure must be designed to withstand mechanical, electrical, and environmental stresses.
  • Internal Arc Protection:The standard defines IAC classifications (e.g.,IAC-A, IAC-B, IAC-AB) to protect personnel in case of internal arc faults.
  • IP Ratings:Specifies the required level of protection against dust and water ingress (e.g.,IP54, IP65).
  • Dielectric Strength:Ensures insulation withstands high-voltage stress without breakdown.
  • Thermal Stability:Compact substations must dissipate heat efficiently to prevent transformer overheating.
  • Short-Circuit Withstand Capability:The MV switchgear and other components must be tested for fault conditions.
  • Protection and Control Systems:Requirements for built-inrelays, fuses, and circuit breakersto enhance operational safety.
  • Environmental Considerations:The substation must be resistant to corrosion, UV radiation, and extreme weather conditions.

Importance of IEC Compliance in Compact Substations

Compliance withIEC 62271-202ensures that compact substations meetglobal safety and performance benchmarks. This is particularly important forutility companies, industrial facilities, renewable energy plants, and urban power distribution networksthat require high-reliability solutions. IEC-certified compact substations reduce the risk ofelectrical failures, improve operational efficiency, and enhance system longevity.

Furthermore, the standard supportssmart grid integration, enabling modern compact substations to includeremote monitoring, automated fault detection, and energy efficiency enhancements. Many leading manufacturers of compact substations design their products tonot only comply with IEC 62271-202 but also with regional safety regulations such as ANSI, GB, and EN standards.

TheIEC 62271-202 standardplays a critical role in defining thedesign, testing, and operational requirementsfor compact substations worldwide. By ensuring compliance with this standard, manufacturers and power utility providers can guaranteesafety, reliability, and long-term performancein various applications. Whether used inindustrial zones, urban infrastructure, data centers, or renewable energy projects, IEC-certified compact substations provide an essential solution for modern power distribution needs.


European Standard Compact Substation Parameters

Product Technical Parameters
Product Name Unit High Voltage Electrical Equipment High Voltage Electrical Equipment Low Voltage Electrical Equipment
Rated Voltage kV 10 10 0.4
Rated Current A 630 630 100~2500
Rated Frequency Hz 50 50 50
Rated Capacity kVA
Rated Thermal Stability Current kA 20/4S 20/4S 30/15
Rated Dynamic Stability Current (Peak) kA 50 50 63
Rated Closing Short-Circuit Current (Peak) kA 50 50 15~30
Rated Breaking Short-Circuit Current kA 31.5 (Fuse) 31.5 (Fuse)
Rated Load Breaking Current A 630 630
1min Power Frequency Withstand Voltage kV To Ground, Phase-to-Phase 42, Interruption 48 To Ground, Phase-to-Phase 42, Interruption 48 20/2.5
Lightning Impulse Withstand Voltage kV To Ground, Phase-to-Phase 75, Interruption 85 To Ground, Phase-to-Phase 75, Interruption 85
Enclosure Protection Level IP23 IP23 IP23
Noise Level dB
Number of Circuits 1~6 1~6 4~30
Maximum Reactive Power Compensation on Low Voltage Side kvar 300

Product Overview

European compact substations are suitable for urban ring network power supply, dual power supply, or terminal power supply systems. They serve as high-voltage metering, compensation control, and protection devices. The high-voltage side is equipped with four-position load switches, backup fuses, and plug-in fuses. The low-voltage side is configured with control devices, distribution devices, compensation devices, and energy metering units according to user requirements.

Compact substations can be used both indoors and outdoors, widely applied in industrial parks, commercial centers, multi-story buildings, and various other environments.

Product Features

Compact substations integrate high-voltage distribution devices, transformers, and low-voltage distribution equipment into a single unit, forming three functional compartments:high-voltage chamber, transformer chamber, and low-voltage chamber. These chambers provide a complete power supply system that supports ring network power supply, terminal power supply, and dual power supply configurations to meet different power distribution needs. Additionally, high-voltage metering units can be installed to fulfill the requirements of high-voltage energy measurement.

The transformer options includeS9/S11/S13/SCB10series, as well as dry-type or oil-immersed transformers. The low-voltage chamber can be customized using panel or cabinet-type structures according to user requirements, offering various functional solutions such as automatic distribution, lighting distribution, power factor compensation, energy metering, and electrical parameter measurement to meet diverse application needs. These features facilitate efficient power management and improve power supply quality.

The high-voltage chamber adopts a compact design and features acomprehensive interlocking systemto prevent operational errors. When required, the transformer chamber can be accessed easily through wide openings, ensuring convenient equipment installation and maintenance. Each compartment is equipped withautomatic lighting devices, while all components in the high and low-voltage chambers usefully enclosed equipmentfor enhanced safety and reliability.

Ventilation is achieved through a combination ofnatural ventilation and forced ventilation. The transformer, high-voltage, and low-voltage chambers are all equipped with ventilation systems, andtemperature control units automatically activate and deactivate exhaust fansbased on preset temperature thresholds, ensuring stable transformer operation.


European Standard Compact Substation Details

European Standard Compact Substation

European Standard Compact Substation style

European Standard Compact Substation

Frequently Asked Questions About Compact Substations

Q1: What is a European Standard Compact Substation?

A:AEuropean Standard Compact Substationis a fully integrated, prefabricated electrical distribution system designed according toIEC 62271-202and other European safety standards. It consists ofmedium-voltage (MV) switchgear, a distribution transformer, and low-voltage (LV) switchgear, all housed within a compact, weatherproof enclosure. These substations are commonly used inindustrial facilities, commercial buildings, and urban infrastructureto ensure stable and efficient power distribution.

Q2: How does a European Standard Compact Substation differ from a conventional substation?

A:Unlike traditional substations, which requireseparate switchgear rooms, large open areas, and extensive civil works, aEuropean Standard Compact Substationis designed as aself-contained, factory-assembled unit. Key differences include:

  • Space Efficiency:Compact design minimizes the footprint, making it ideal for dense urban areas.
  • Pre-assembled & Tested:Delivered as a single unit, reducing installation time and on-site labor.
  • Enhanced Safety:Fully enclosed structure protects against electrical hazards, vandalism, and extreme weather.
  • Lower Maintenance:Designed for long-term reliability with minimal upkeep.
  • Modular & Scalable:Easily expandable to meet growing power demands.

Q3: Where are European Standard Compact Substations commonly used?

A:Due to theirreliability, efficiency, and compliance with European standards, these substations are widely used in:

  • Urban Power Networks:Installed in residential and commercial areas to ensure stable energy distribution.
  • Industrial Plants:Used in manufacturing facilities to support heavy machinery and continuous operations.
  • Renewable Energy Projects:Commonly found insolar farms, wind power plants, and energy storage systems.
  • Infrastructure & Transportation:Provides power to airports, railway stations, and highways.
  • Mining & Remote Operations:Offers areliable power solutionin off-grid and remote locations.

Q4: What are the advantages of a European Standard Compact Substation?

A:These substations offer several benefits over traditional substations, including:

  • Compliance with IEC Standards:Meets stringent European safety and performance regulations.
  • Energy Efficiency:Optimized design reduces power losses and improves voltage regulation.
  • Rapid Deployment:Pre-engineered and factory-assembled for quick installation.
  • Versatile Configurations:Available in multiplevoltage ratings, power capacities, and enclosure materials.
  • Durability & Weather Resistance:Designed to withstand extreme conditions, including high humidity, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical stress.

Q5: How does a European Standard Compact Substation improve power quality?

A:These substations incorporateadvanced protection, monitoring, and control systemsthat help improve power quality by:

  • Voltage Regulation:Ensuring stable voltage levels, reducing fluctuations.
  • Harmonic Filtering:Minimizing electrical noise and distortions for cleaner power.
  • Fault Detection & Isolation:Quick response to electrical faults, preventing widespread outages.
  • Remote Monitoring:Integrated SCADA and IoT solutions allow real-time tracking of system performance.
  • Optimized Load Management:Distributes power efficiently, reducing transmission losses.