Overview
S. L. A. C. Substation is an operational electrical substation in the United States. It operates at 230 kV, serving the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center and the surrounding grid.
S. L. A. C. Substation is an operational electrical substation located at 37.415760, -122.205755 in the United States, associated with the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC). The facility operates at a voltage of 230 kV, classifying it as a high-voltage substation critical for regional power transmission and distribution. The substation operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), ensuring grid stability and reliability. As a high-voltage substation, it likely employs modern switchgear and automation systems compliant with standards such as ISO/IEC 61850 for substation automation. This substation plays a key role in supporting the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, a major research facility, and contributes to the electrical infrastructure of the San Francisco Bay Area. Its operational status ensures continued power supply to critical scientific research and local communities.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a suburban area near the San Francisco Bay, with proximity to sensitive ecosystems such as tidal marshes and seasonal wetlands. High-voltage substations like this one require careful management of electromagnetic fields and potential oil spills from transformers. The facility's age and maintenance practices influence its environmental footprint, though modern substations often incorporate containment systems and monitoring to mitigate risks.
Frequently asked questions
S. L. A. C. Substation is located at coordinates 37.415760, -122.205755 in the United States, associated with the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) in California.
S. L. A. C. Substation operates at 230 kV, which is a high-voltage level typical for transmission substations that connect to the bulk power grid.
The operator of S. L. A. C. Substation is not publicly listed, but it is likely managed by the local utility or the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory's facilities team.
Substations in the United States must comply with NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission. Additionally, substation automation often follows the ISO/IEC 61850 standard.
A 230 kV substation steps down transmission voltage for distribution or interconnects high-voltage lines, playing a critical role in maintaining grid reliability and supplying power to large industrial or research facilities.