The difference between American and European substation transformer

1. Core Differences in Structure & Components

1.1 American Package Substation Transformer

• Wiring Configuration:
  
  • 1–2 way 10KV incoming lines.
  • Single transformer capacity: 500KVA~800KVA.
  • Low-voltage outgoing cables: 4~6 lines.
• Key Components: Transformer, 10KV ring network switch, 10KV cable plug, low-voltage terminal box.
• Structural Features: Compact size, integrated design, low cost, and easy installation.

1.2 European Package Substation Transformer

• Wiring Configuration:
  
  • Single-transformer type: 1–2 way 10KV incoming lines; 500KVA~800KVA per transformer; 4~6 low-voltage outgoing cables.
  • Dual-transformer type: 1–2 way 10KV incoming lines; 500KVA~800KVA per transformer; 8~12 low-voltage outgoing cables.
• Key Components: Transformer, 10KV ring network switch cabinet, low-voltage capacitor, low-voltage switch.
• Structural Features: Equivalent to miniaturizing Type III substation equipment into a metal box. Larger volume and higher cost than American-style models.

2. Core Advantages & Disadvantages

2.1 American Package Substation Transformer

• Advantages:
  
  • Compact size and small footprint, easy to place and camouflage, blending well with community environments.
  • Shortens low-voltage cable length, reducing line loss and power supply costs.
• Disadvantages:
  
  • Lower power supply reliability; no electric mechanism or power distribution automation device.
  • Lack of capacitor device, unfavorable for further line loss reduction.
  • Higher noise than Type III/V stations (transformer not sound-insulated by a separate room).
  • Concentrated magnetic radiation (unlike Type III/V stations that decompose radiation into multi-point emission).
  • Inconvenient capacity expansion: Civil foundations vary by transformer capacity, requiring reconstruction and long power outages for overload or capacity increase.

2.2 European Package Substation Transformer

• Advantages:
  
  • Noise level comparable to Type III/V stations (transformer placed in a metal box for sound insulation).
  • Lower radiation than American-style models (metal box provides shielding).
  • Combines advantages of Type III/V stations and core merits of American-style transformers.
• Disadvantages:
  
  • Large volume, hindering installation and affecting community environmental layout.

3. Applicable Scenarios & Power Supply Network Adaptation

3.1 American Package Substation Transformer

• Suitable Occasions:
  
  • Power supply for low-priority buildings with modest reliability requirements (e.g., multi-storey residential buildings).
  • Scenarios where community environmental integration and cost control are priorities.
• Network Adaptation:
  
  • Smaller single capacity leads to more units needed for large communities, increasing load points on overhead lines.
  • Weak network structure when series-connected; solved by adopting ring network configurations.
• Note: Fully meets multi-storey residential needs when equipped with a small ring network switch station, but unsuitable for small high-rises or high-rises.

3.2 European Package Substation Transformer

• Suitable Occasions:
  
  • Power supply for important buildings with higher reliability and performance requirements (e.g., multi-storey residences, small high-rises, high-rises).
  • Scenarios where stable power supply, low noise, and low radiation are critical.
• Network Adaptation:
  
  • Comprehensive components and dual-transformer option support more complex load demands.
  • Better compatibility with dense urban power grids requiring high reliability.

4. CHH Power Selection Recommendations

• Choose American-Style If:
  • Prioritize cost-effectiveness, small footprint, and community environmental coordination.
  • Supplying power to unimportant buildings (e.g., multi-storey residences) with low reliability requirements.
  • Capacity expansion is not expected in the short term.
• Choose European-Style If:
  • Require high power supply reliability, low noise, and low radiation.
  • Supplying power to important buildings (e.g., high-rises, small high-rises) or high-load scenarios.
  • Need capacitor support for line loss reduction or automation functions for intelligent management.