How to ensure the normal operation of underground box-type substations in harsh environments?

As an important facility in the modern power system, the underground box-type substation often has a harsh operating environment. Underground humidity, temperature fluctuations, accumulation of pollutants and other factors will affect the equipment of the substation. Therefore, to ensure the normal operation of the underground box-type substation in harsh environments, it is necessary to comprehensively guarantee it from multiple aspects such as design, construction, equipment selection, and maintenance.
The design of the underground box-type substation needs to fully consider the particularity of the environment in which it is located. In the design stage, in addition to meeting the basic electrical function requirements of the substation, special attention should be paid to the design of waterproof, dustproof, ventilation and other aspects. Since the underground environment is humid, waterproof design is particularly important. The external structure of the substation usually adopts corrosion-resistant and waterproof materials, such as galvanized steel plates or stainless steel, and the sealing design ensures the sealing of each joint, door and window, etc., to prevent moisture from penetrating into the equipment, avoiding moisture, corrosion or short circuit of the equipment.
The selection of internal equipment of the substation is also crucial. All equipment must meet the operating requirements of the underground environment, and select electrical equipment with high waterproof and dustproof levels, such as waterproof switches, transformers, and distribution devices. At the same time, the high and low temperature resistance of the equipment is also an important consideration, because the temperature of the underground environment fluctuates greatly, and the equipment needs to be able to withstand a certain range of temperature differences.
The design of the ventilation system is also very critical. The air circulation of underground substations is relatively poor, and moisture and harmful gases are easy to accumulate inside. In order to ensure the normal operation of the equipment, an effective ventilation system needs to be added during the design. The ventilation system can maintain indoor air circulation and reduce moisture accumulation through a combination of natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation to ensure that the equipment will not fail due to excessive moisture. In addition, the ventilation system should also be equipped with an air filter to prevent dust and pollutants from entering the equipment and affecting the long-term stable operation of the equipment.
In order to further enhance the ability of underground box-type substations to resist harsh environments, a series of protective measures should be taken. For example, an anti-corrosion coating can be added to the outside of electrical equipment to prevent corrosion caused by humid environments from damaging the equipment. For the grounding system of the equipment, a good grounding design should also be ensured to ensure that the equipment can be effectively prevented from being damaged in emergencies such as lightning or power failures.
In addition to the design and equipment selection, the construction quality of the underground box-type substation also affects its performance in harsh environments. During the construction process, it is required to strictly follow the design standards to ensure that waterproof, dustproof, anti-corrosion and other measures are effectively implemented. In areas with high groundwater levels, special attention should be paid to the waterproof treatment of the foundation during construction to prevent moisture from penetrating into the substation. In addition, attention should be paid to the safe transportation and installation of equipment during construction to ensure that the equipment can maintain its original stability and safety after installation.
Regular maintenance and inspection are necessary to ensure that underground box-type substations can operate stably for a long time. Whether it is the inspection of waterproof and dustproof equipment or the performance testing of electrical equipment, it needs to be carried out regularly. Especially in harsh underground environments, the surface coating of waterproof seals, ventilation systems and equipment may age or be damaged over time, so regular inspection and timely replacement of damaged parts are essential tasks.