Overview
Patterson Street Substation is an operational electrical substation in Pennsylvania, United States, owned and operated by The Pennsylvania State University. It supports campus electrical infrastructure.
Patterson Street Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Pennsylvania, United States. Owned and operated by The Pennsylvania State University, it serves as a key component of the university's campus electrical distribution network. The substation steps down high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages suitable for campus buildings and facilities. As a substation within the United States, it operates under the regulatory framework established by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The facility adheres to NERC reliability standards to ensure grid stability and safety. Typical substations at university campuses range from 12 kV to 69 kV, supporting medium-scale distribution needs. The substation plays a critical role in maintaining reliable electricity supply for Penn State's academic, research, and residential buildings. Its location in central Pennsylvania places it within a region with diverse seasonal weather, requiring robust design to handle winter storms and summer heat. The facility's operational status ensures continuous power delivery to the university community.
Environmental context
The substation's location in central Pennsylvania experiences a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Electrical infrastructure in this region must withstand snow, ice, and occasional thunderstorms. The substation's urban setting on a university campus means it is integrated into a developed area with minimal direct environmental impact, though its operation supports energy efficiency and reliability for the campus.
Frequently asked questions
Patterson Street Substation is located in Pennsylvania, United States, on the campus of The Pennsylvania State University.
Patterson Street Substation serves as an electrical substation that steps down high-voltage transmission power to lower voltages for distribution across the Penn State University campus.
Patterson Street Substation is owned and operated by The Pennsylvania State University.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations to ensure grid stability and safety.
University campus substations typically operate at medium voltage levels, commonly between 12 kV and 69 kV, depending on campus size and load.