Overview
N06 Wiehle Ave TPSS11 is a traction power substation in the Washington, D.C. area, operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. It supports the Metrorail system with dual voltage levels of 34.5 kV and 750 V.
N06 Wiehle Ave TPSS11 is a traction power substation located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, United States. It is operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and serves the Metrorail transit system. The facility is classified as a substation within the electrical infrastructure sector, specifically designed to convert high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages suitable for rail operations. The substation operates at two voltage levels: 34.5 kV for primary distribution and 750 V for direct current traction power. This configuration is typical for urban rail transit systems, where substations are strategically placed along rail corridors to ensure reliable power supply. The facility is part of WMATA's extensive network of traction power substations that support the Metrorail system, which serves millions of passengers annually in the Washington, D.C. region. As a critical component of the regional transit infrastructure, N06 Wiehle Ave TPSS11 contributes to the reliability and efficiency of the Metrorail system. Its location in a densely populated urban area underscores its importance in providing sustainable public transportation. The substation operates under U.S. regulatory frameworks, including NERC reliability standards and FERC oversight for grid interconnection, ensuring safe and stable power delivery.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a suburban area near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station, within the Potomac River watershed. Its operation supports electric rail transit, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to automobile travel. The facility's voltage levels and urban setting influence its environmental footprint, with considerations for electromagnetic fields and noise mitigation typical of substations in residential areas.
Frequently asked questions
N06 Wiehle Ave TPSS11 is located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station in Virginia, United States.
It is a traction power substation that converts high-voltage electricity to lower voltages (34.5 kV and 750 V) to power the Metrorail trains operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
The substation is operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), which manages the Metrorail transit system in the Washington, D.C. region.
As part of the U.S. electrical grid, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. Additionally, it follows ISO/IEC 61850 standards for substation automation.
The substation operates at two voltage levels: 34.5 kV for primary distribution and 750 V for direct current traction power used by Metrorail trains.