Power transmission and distribution equipment (also known as power transmission and transformation equipment) refers to all equipment used for the transmission and distribution of electrical energy in a power system. It encompasses all equipment involved in the balanced operation of the power grid from power generation to consumption.
It is key equipment connecting power generation, transmission, transformation, distribution, and consumption, playing a crucial role in the safe, efficient, and clean supply of electricity.
Power transmission and distribution equipment is diverse, mainly including electrical equipment such as transformers, conductors (cables), insulators, instrument transformers, surge arresters, disconnect switches, and circuit breakers, as well as capacitors, bushings, wave traps, reactors, and relay protection devices. It also includes auxiliary equipment such as busbars, fittings, and towers.
These devices can be categorized by function as follows: Power transmission and conversion equipment, such as conductors which guide the directional transmission of electrical energy, and transformers which utilize electromagnetic induction to transform AC voltage; system connection and protection equipment, such as switchgear which connects or isolates two electrical systems, surge arresters which protect substation equipment from lightning strikes, and relay protection devices which are crucial safety protection systems in the power system; and measurement and compensation equipment, such as instrument transformers which convert high voltage and large current into low voltage and small current for effective measurement, power capacitors which provide reactive power to the power system to save energy, and power reactors which absorb reactive power.
Power transmission and distribution equipment forms the material basis of the transmission, transformation, and distribution links in a power system. It is a vital component of the power system and an important public infrastructure industry for national economic and social development.