Overview
TPSS#1 Plainfield Street is an operational substation in the United States owned by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. It operates at 34.5 kV and 750 V, supporting transit electrical infrastructure.
TPSS#1 Plainfield Street is a traction power substation located in the United States, owned and operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). This facility is part of the electrical infrastructure supporting the Washington Metro transit system, providing power for rail operations. The substation is currently operational and plays a critical role in the region's public transportation network. The substation operates at two voltage levels: 34.5 kV for primary distribution and 750 V for traction power supply to the rail system. This dual-voltage configuration is typical for transit substations, where higher voltage is stepped down to the lower voltage required by trains. The facility is located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, a densely populated urban region with high demand for reliable transit services. As part of WMATA's electrical network, TPSS#1 Plainfield Street contributes to the safe and efficient operation of the Metro system, which serves millions of passengers annually. The substation's location in an urban setting underscores its importance for maintaining grid stability and supporting sustainable public transportation. Its operational status ensures continued service for the transit authority's power needs.
Environmental context
The substation is situated in an urban environment within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, where electrical infrastructure must meet high reliability standards due to dense population and critical transit services. The facility's voltage levels and role in powering electric trains contribute to reduced emissions compared to diesel alternatives, supporting local air quality goals. Urban substations like this one are typically designed with noise mitigation and safety measures to minimize impact on surrounding communities.
Frequently asked questions
TPSS#1 Plainfield Street is located in the United States, specifically in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The exact coordinates are 38.907531, -77.188025.
TPSS#1 Plainfield Street operates at two voltage levels: 34.5 kV for primary distribution and 750 V for traction power supply to the transit system.
TPSS#1 Plainfield Street is owned and operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), which manages public transit in the Washington, D.C. region.
In the United States, substations are subject to NERC reliability standards for grid stability and FERC regulations for transmission-level assets. For transit substations, additional local and state electrical codes apply.
A traction power substation converts high-voltage electrical power from the grid to the lower voltage required by trains, typically 600-750 V DC, to power the rail system. It ensures reliable and safe operation of electric transit.