Big Network Renovation: DTEK Dnipro Grids reconstructed the 150kW Novomoskovskaya substation
150 kW Novomoskovskaya substation is a large substation that supplies electricity to residents living in Novomoskovsk and nearby settlements, as well as 15 schools, 5 boiler houses, 4 hospitals and outpatient clinics. To ensure a reliable power supply for customers and significant infrastructure facilities, and to prevent large-scale blackouts, the decision was made to replace the old transformer. The old one was manufactured in 1966, worked for more than 50 years and had some major defects. And it did not provide for the ability to regulate the voltage when changing loads. The new one allows us to do this automatically. It took the company almost two months to install the new equipment, without power interruptions for customers. Renovation of this substation will provide Novomoskovsk and the surrounding area with additional power reserves, reduce the risk of failures and voltage surges for end users.
“DTEK serves the Ukraine’s interests and takes care of customers, systematically transforming the energy infrastructure across the Dnipropetrovsk region. The company invested more than UAH 36 million in the reconstruction of the 150 kW Novomoskovskaya substation. This includes a complete replacement of old equipment with modern new ones. Thanks to these works, 29,000 customers received a reliable source of power supply,” said Andrii Tereshchuk, Head of DTEK Dnipro Grids.
In addition to the transformer, the power engineers replaced the 35 kV circuit breakers*, which were obsolete and did not provide reliable protection against damage on the lines. Instead of large-sized oil switches, modern vacuum ones were installed. They are durable and reliable, and do not contain oil products and other hazardous substances, therefore they are safe for the environment. Outdated and unreliable separators and 150 kV short-circuits were also replaced at the substation. Instead, they installed modern technological SF6 gas ones, which will eliminate the risk of large-scale failures and power outages for customers.
As previously reported, the company has invested over UAH 1 billion in the region's electrical infrastructure in 2021. The Big Network Renovation projects include the reconstruction of two powerful substations in Dnipro and Manganets. As well as the renovation of more than 249 kilometers of power lines and the re-equipment of 1,200 distribution points and transformer substations.
* 35 kV and 150 kV circuit breakers are devices designed for use under high and medium voltage. Using them, the company's energy workers connect/disconnect electrical lines, turn on/off electrical equipment at electrical infrastructure facilities. In terms of functionality, these devices are like circuit breakers that are usually installed in residential premises and designed to turn on / off electricity in the entire room or individual power lines.