Compact Substation for MV/LV Power Distribution

Custom compact substations, prefabricated substations, and package substation solutions for industrial, utility, commercial, and infrastructure power distribution projects.


compact substation

YB-12 / 0.4-1250
Compact Substation

A compact substation, also called a prefabricated substation, package substation, or box-type substation, is used to receive medium/high voltage power, transform it to low voltage, and distribute it safely to downstream loads.
*For more explanation of substation terminology, see our guide to electrical substation names and related terms.

Risentric supplies compact substations with integrated MV switchgear, transformer, LV switchgear, protection, metering, and enclosure systems for industrial facilities, utilities, commercial buildings, renewable energy projects, and infrastructure applications.

Compared with conventional site-built substations, compact substations offer:

  • Faster installation
  • Smaller footprint
  • Outdoor installation
  • Factory-tested equipment
  • Integrated MV, transformer, and LV compartments
  • Easier transportation and site commissioning

1. Medium/High Voltage Switchgear Compartment

The MV/HV compartment is used for incoming power connection, switching, protection, and isolation. Depending on the project, it may include load break switches, fuses, vacuum circuit breakers, RMU units, metering units, or protection relays.

2. Transformer Compartment

The transformer steps medium voltage down to the required low-voltage level, commonly 0.4kV for many distribution applications. Oil-immersed or dry-type transformers can be selected according to project requirements.

3. Low-Voltage Switchgear Compartment

The LV compartment distributes power to downstream equipment. It may include air circuit breakers, molded case circuit breakers, capacitor compensation, metering, surge protection, and outgoing feeder circuits.

Main Components of a Compact Substation
Solution TypeMain FeatureRecommended For
Compact SubstationIntegrated MV switchgear, transformer, and LV switchgearGeneral industrial, commercial, and utility power distribution
Prefabricated SubstationFactory-assembled and project-configured substationEPC, contractor, infrastructure, and outdoor projects
Package SubstationComplete HV/MV/LV package solution based on SLD and BOMInternational projects, tender projects, and turnkey supply
Box-Type SubstationCompact enclosure with separated MV, transformer, and LV sectionsCost-sensitive outdoor distribution projects
Outdoor Compact SubstationEnclosure designed for outdoor installation environmentsUtility, factory, mining, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects
Custom HV/MV/LV SubstationCustomized voltage, capacity, layout, and component brandProjects with special technical or documentation requirements

Risentric provides project-based compact substation solutions with support for:

  • HV/MV/LV switchgear configuration
  • Transformer selection
  • Custom enclosure layout
  • SLD and BOM review
  • IEC-oriented manufacturing
  • FAT testing support
  • Export packing and global delivery
  • Technical quotation based on project drawings

Risentric supports compact substation projects with drawing-based quotation, flexible MV/LV configuration, FAT support, export packing, and global delivery.

How to Choose the Right Compact Substation

Before quotation, buyers usually need to confirm:

  1. Rated voltage
    Example: 12kV/0.4kV, 24kV/0.4kV, 33kV/0.4kV
  2. Transformer capacity
    Example: 315kVA, 500kVA, 630kVA, 800kVA, 1000kVA, 1250kVA, 1600kVA
  3. Transformer type
    Oil-immersed or dry-type transformer
  4. MV/HV protection method
    Load break switch + fuse, RMU, or circuit breaker solution
  5. LV outgoing feeders
    Number of circuits, breaker ratings, metering, capacitor compensation
  6. Installation environment
    Indoor, outdoor, coastal, desert, high temperature, high humidity, or high altitude
  7. Standard and documentation requirements
    IEC-oriented design, test reports, drawings, SLD, BOM/BOQ, certificates, and FAT documents
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Is a compact substation the same as a prefabricated substation?

In many projects, the terms are used similarly. “Compact substation” emphasizes the small footprint and integrated layout, while “prefabricated substation” emphasizes factory assembly and pre-tested delivery.

Is a compact substation part of switchgear?

A compact substation is not only one switchgear cabinet. It is a complete power distribution unit that usually includes MV switchgear, a transformer, LV switchgear, and auxiliary systems. Because switchgear is a core part of the system, it is reasonable to place the category under the parent category of switchgear.

What information is needed to quote a compact substation?

The most important information includes rated voltage, transformer capacity, SLD, incoming and outgoing feeder requirements, protection method, installation environment, and required documentation.

What is the difference between compact substation and transformer?

A transformer only changes voltage. A compact substation includes the transformer plus MV switchgear, LV distribution equipment, protection, metering, enclosure, and internal connections.

Can a compact substation be customized?

Yes. The layout, transformer capacity, MV scheme, LV feeders, enclosure material, protection level, metering, monitoring, and component brands can be customized according to project requirements.

Is a compact substation the same as a unit substation?

A compact substation and a unit substation are related, but the terms are not always identical. A unit substation usually refers to a transformer-based distribution unit combined with primary and/or secondary switchgear, often used in industrial or building power distribution. A compact substation usually emphasizes outdoor enclosure, prefabricated structure, and integrated MV/LV distribution.

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