What is the role of power transformers in transmission substations?

Power transformers play a crucial role in the transmission of electricity by raising the voltage from generation levels to transmission levels. This step-up process is vital for efficient long-distance power transfer because higher voltages reduce the amount of current flowing through the transmission lines, which in turn minimizes power losses due to resistance in the conductors. By increasing the voltage, transformers facilitate the movement of large amounts of electrical energy over significant distances with reduced energy losses, ensuring that power can be delivered effectively from generation points to substations close to consumers.

Distributing power among customers is primarily the responsibility of distribution systems rather than transformers in substations. Similarly, while there are transformers that lower voltage levels for residential use, their primary operation in substations focuses on managing the higher voltage levels necessary for transmission. The conversion of AC power to DC power does not typically occur within power transformers in transmission substations, as these transformers are designed specifically for alternating current systems used in power distribution.