Overview
Fairwood Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Washington State, United States. It plays a key role in local grid stability and power distribution.
Fairwood Substation is an operational electrical substation situated in Washington State, United States. As a substation, it serves as a critical node in the regional power grid, stepping voltage levels for efficient transmission and distribution to residential and commercial customers. The facility is part of the broader North American electrical infrastructure, which is regulated by NERC reliability standards and FERC oversight. While specific technical specifications such as voltage level are not detailed, substations of this type typically operate at transmission or sub-transmission voltages, often ranging from 69 kV to 230 kV. The facility's location in Washington State places it within the Western Interconnection, one of the major power grids in the US, which is subject to NERC's regional entity, WECC. The substation likely includes switchgear, transformers, and protection systems compliant with ISO/IEC 61850 standards for automation. Operationally, Fairwood Substation contributes to the reliability of the local electrical network, supporting load centers in the Seattle metropolitan area. Its role in voltage regulation and fault isolation helps maintain power quality for surrounding communities. The facility's continued operation is essential for meeting regional energy demands and integrating renewable energy sources from the Pacific Northwest.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a suburban area of Washington State, characterized by a temperate climate with significant rainfall. The surrounding region includes mixed residential and commercial developments, with proximity to natural habitats such as forests and wetlands. Electrical infrastructure in this area must consider environmental factors like stormwater management and wildlife protection, particularly for bird interactions with power lines. The facility's design likely incorporates measures to minimize electromagnetic field exposure and comply with local environmental regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Fairwood Substation is located in Washington State, United States, with coordinates approximately 47.4451 N, -122.1536 W.
Fairwood Substation is currently operational, meaning it is actively functioning as part of the electrical grid.
Substations in the US must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. Additionally, ISO/IEC 61850 standards for substation automation are commonly adopted.
A substation transforms voltage levels for efficient transmission and distribution, isolates faults, and regulates power flow to ensure reliable electricity supply to consumers.
Fairwood Substation supports the electrical needs of the surrounding area, including residential and commercial customers, by providing stable voltage and reliable power distribution.