Network Arrangement
Confirm system voltages, frequency, earthing arrangement, incoming supply arrangement and the required number and function of circuits.
ALBORGRID › Guides › Compact Substation Selection Guide
Choose the compact substation architecture, then configure the complete assembly.
Start with the network arrangement, load and installation site. Then compare a prefabricated substation with a pad-mounted transformer before confirming MV protection, transformer ratings, LV functions, enclosure and project documents.
Start with the network, load and site—not the enclosure.
A compact substation is a coordinated assembly rather than a single fixed item. Define its role in the distribution system first, then select the architecture and configure every functional section against the approved single-line diagram.
Power Duty
Provide connected load, required transformer capacity, operating profile and any allowance for future expansion.
Installation Conditions
State indoor or outdoor installation, available footprint, cable entry, access constraints and environmental conditions.
Prefabricated Substation or Pad-Mounted Transformer?
Both serve compact distribution applications, but their construction differs: the YB uses separate MV, transformer and LV compartments, while the ZGS13-H integrates MV switching and fuse protection with an oil-immersed transformer.
YB Series Prefabricated Substation
Separate MV switchgear, transformer and LV distribution compartments are coordinated inside one weather-resistant enclosure. The current product range supports MV up to 12 kV, LV at 0.4 kV and capacity up to 2500 kVA.
Compartmented layoutOil or dry-type transformerProject-configured enclosure
ZGS13-H Pad-Mounted Transformer
MV load-break switching, fuse protection and the oil-immersed transformer are integrated in a compact combined assembly. The 12 kV family supports terminal, ring-network and dual-source supply arrangements.
Compact combined design12 kV systemIndoor or outdoor
| Selection Point | YB Prefabricated Substation | ZGS13-H Pad-Mounted Transformer |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Distinct MV, transformer and LV compartments in one enclosure. | MV switching, fuse protection and transformer integrated in one compact assembly. |
| Transformer | Oil-immersed or cast-resin dry-type options. | Integrated oil-immersed transformer. |
| Supply Arrangement | Configured against the approved project SLD. | Terminal, ring-network or dual-source arrangements. |
| Main Design Focus | Compartment layout, transformer type, enclosure, MV protection and LV feeders. | Supply arrangement, load switch, fuse protection, transformer parameters and LV functions. |
| Useful Starting Point | Projects needing distinct functional compartments or a dry-type transformer option. | Projects suited to a compact combined pad-mounted architecture. |
This comparison identifies the suitable starting family only. Final voltage, capacity, switching duty, protection, dimensions and compliance requirements must be confirmed against the approved project specification.
Configure the assembly from the single-line diagram.
MV switching, transformer capacity and LV distribution must be reviewed together. A change in one section can affect protection coordination, layout, ventilation, cable interfaces and the overall enclosure.
MV Incoming & Protection
Confirm voltage, frequency, supply arrangement, circuit duties, rated current, fault level, switching, protection and interlocking.
Transformer
Confirm capacity, winding voltages, construction, taps, connection and the project-specific operating conditions.
LV Distribution
Define the main incomer, feeder quantities and ratings, metering, compensation, control and communication functions.
Enclosure & Interface
Coordinate compartment layout, cooling, access, foundation, cable entry, lifting and transport constraints.
Need to refine the transformer construction first? Open the Transformer Selection Guide ›
Design the enclosure around the installation.
Do not assume one standard outdoor enclosure is suitable for every destination. State the site conditions before the housing, ventilation and civil interface are confirmed.
Environment
- Indoor or outdoor installation
- Ambient temperature, altitude and humidity
- Dust, pollution, corrosion, coastal or tropical exposure
- Required ingress protection and finish
Site & Access
- Available footprint and maintenance clearances
- Foundation and cable-entry arrangement
- Transport route, lifting and site-access limits
- Enclosure material, colour and architectural requirements
Send project information early; approve the technical documents before manufacture.
A complete enquiry allows the MV arrangement, transformer, LV distribution and enclosure to be reviewed as one package. Include the destination, applicable standards, SLD, voltages, frequency, earthing, load or capacity, circuit schedule, fault data, site conditions, civil interface and required document language.
Public Selection GuideProduct-family comparison and preliminary configuration logic.
Quotation-Stage ScheduleSelected architecture, proposed scope and confirmed parameter schedule.
Project Document PackApplicable drawings, routine-test documentation and agreed compliance evidence.
Get a project-specific compact-substation configuration.
Send the destination country, SLD, system voltages, load or capacity, supply arrangement, installation conditions and required documents. We will review the system requirements and recommend a suitable starting configuration.