Daily Maintenance and Common Troubleshooting for European-Style Prefabricated Substations

Time：2025-09-29    Auther：ZTelec-www.ztelectransformer.com

European-style prefabricated substations are essential equipment in modern power distribution systems. Featuring compact structure, flexible deployment, and high efficiency, they are widely applied in urban distribution networks, industrial parks, and renewable energy projects. However, operating outdoors exposes them to challenges like high temperature, humidity, and dust. Effective daily maintenance and timely troubleshooting directly influence the reliability and safety of the power supply.

Daily Maintenance for European-Style Prefabricated Substations

Preventive maintenance extends equipment lifespan and reduces unexpected failures. Key steps include:

1. Appearance and Environmental Inspection

Inspect the box for rust, seal deterioration, and mechanical damage. Ensure ventilation pathways are clear by removing weeds and debris. Check the foundation for settlement to avoid instability.

2. Transformer Maintenance

Monitor winding temperature using thermostats and verify cooling fan functionality. Listen for abnormal noises such as crackling or strong vibration. For oil-immersed transformers, check oil levels; for dry-type transformers, measure insulation resistance.

3. High-Voltage Switchgear Maintenance

Verify switch position indicators and energy storage status. Lubricate moving parts to prevent rust. For SF6 load switches, confirm pressure gauge values remain within the safe range.

4. Low-Voltage Switchgear Maintenance

Check circuit breakers for correct positions and signs of overheating. Use infrared thermometers to measure busbar and connection point temperatures. Inspect compensation cabinets for capacitor bulging, leakage, or contactor faults.

5. Lightning Protection and Grounding System Maintenance

Regularly test lightning arrester counters and insulation resistance. Measure ground resistance annually to confirm compliance (≤4Ω), ensuring system safety.

Common Troubleshooting for European-Style Prefabricated Substations

1. Overheating Issues

Excessive heating accelerates insulation aging and may cause short circuits or fires. Solutions include:

• Cleaning dust and debris to maintain ventilation
• Real-time temperature monitoring and early fault warnings

2. On-Load Switch Failure

Causes include mechanical deformation, weak component strength, or poor product quality. Preventive measures include selecting high-quality switchgear, ensuring proper installation, and adhering to technical standards.

3. Low-Voltage Switch Tripping

Commonly caused by busbar faults or defective switches. Troubleshooting steps:

• Inspect equipment after tripping and verify overcurrent protection activation
• Differentiate between main transformer switch trips and line switch trips
• Use monitoring data and specialized tools to locate the fault
• Follow the principle: “power off first, then investigate, then repair.”

To ensure the stable and reliable operation of European-style prefabricated substations, regular preventive maintenance and rapid troubleshooting are essential. From visual inspection and transformer monitoring to grounding system testing, each step minimizes risks. When faults occur, quick diagnosis and corrective measures—particularly for overheating, tripping, and switch failures—help reduce downtime and guarantee continuous power supply for urban, industrial, and renewable energy applications.