Introducing Versant Power’s new mobile substation

A mobile substation is a portable, trailer-mounted substation that includes a power transformer and associated protection elements meant to mirror a traditional distribution substation design. This mobile substation was custom-designed for Versant Power’s system in a way that it can be used in almost all of our distribution substation applications.

Why did we need a new one?

This new mobile substation gives Versant Power added redundancy and reliability. Our mobile substations carry customer load when substations are out of service for maintenance or equipment failures. Having a mobile substation can reduce restoration times by 75% for substation-related issues.

What’s the mobile substation capacity?

Our new mobile can match the capacity of our largest distribution substations and can power 5,000+ customers. It is the largest of three mobile substations Versant Power has in its Bangor Hydro District and the only mobile substation that can carry the full load of our largest distribution subs.

Riley McKay, Supervisor, Power Systems Technical, stands in front of Versant Power's new mobile substation in Hermon.

How does it compare to the old one?

This unit is larger, has more capacity, and more capabilities. It has dual transmission and distribution voltages so it can be used in more applications. Having multiple mobile substations in our fleet allows us to work on more projects and quickly respond to emergencies providing better reliability to our customers.

What’s the projected life span?

This substation should last 50 years. We still use a mobile sub that was built in 1964.

What features does it have?

It has dual transmission and distribution voltages, an on-load tap changer, circuit switchers, circuit breakers, and rear steering. We have communication capabilities so that our system operators can view, monitor and operate the protective devices. This mobile was designed to have the maximum capacity and capabilities, while still fitting on a single, towable trailer that meets the Maine DOT height and width requirements. The mobile substation weighs over 135,000 lbs. and is 63’ long. This project has been four years from start to finish.

How does it improve reliability for customers?

Mobile substations are the key element to most major substation reliability projects. They allow us to de-energize critical equipment without customer interruption. Also, they allow us a fast response time in emergency situations. We can mobilize this unit within six hours.

What does its first job in Hermon entail?

We are adding high-side breakers to Hermon as part of a project that stabilizes the transmission system in the Greater Bangor Area. During this project, the transmission line coming into the sub will have to be de-energized. But because of this new mobile substation, no one in Hermon will have to go without power while we make the necessary improvement updates. 

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