To prevent instability in power supply in Khuzestan Province and curb blackouts, nine mobile substations will be synchronized with the national grid by March, the managing director of Khuzestan Regional Electric Company said.
"The substations will add 270 megawatts to the installed capacity which now is about 2,000 MW," Mahmoud Dasht-Bozorg was quoted as saying by Paven, the Energy Ministry news portal.
The 132 kilovolt equipment cost $1 million and was purchased from a domestic company.
"Mobile substations are an ideal solution whenever utilities and industries need interim grid connections and temporary power supplies," he said, adding that applications range from power supply during emergency and outages to moving loads and the integration of distributed or renewable generation.
Dasht-Bozorg noted that construction of a fixed substation normally takes three years but mobile substations come in the form of ready-to-connect complete assemblies designed for easy mobility.
The solutions are available for voltage levels of up to 420 kV and all power ratings, and ensure reliable and high-quality energy supplies.
The official said 12 gas-insulated substations are also being installed in the southern oil province.
"GIS systems cost twice as much as regular substations, but they play a key role in reducing power cuts in regions where sandstorms are permanent dilemma," he said.
A GIS uses dielectric gas and sulfur hexaflouride at moderate pressure for insulation. It is mostly used where space is expensive or not available. In a GIS, the active parts including transformers and feeders are protected from corrosion emanating from exposure to atmospheric air, moisture, contamination and sand.
"Repairing and rebuilding electrical infrastructure, namely substations and power transmission equipment, battered by dust storms, is usually costly,” he added, further highlighting the role and significance of the GISs.
Dust storms have prevailed in the southern regions over the past several years. But conditions deteriorated last year as storms shut down the electricity grid for a few days in 13 cities in Khuzestan when temperatures crossed above 45 degrees Celsius in the hot and humid summer season.
