Hydropower Plant Switchgear and Substation RFQ Guide

Prepared by: JCON ELECUpdated: 2026-10-17

Short answer

For a hydropower electrical RFQ, separate MV switchgear, station-service transformers, LVAC, DC charger/batteries and protection/control panels. Define ratings, fault duration, relay and CT/PT data, auxiliary loads and DC autonomy from the project documents. Turbine-generator systems, excitation, plant SCADA, protection studies and grid approval need separate responsibility agreements.

KYN28-12 metal-clad withdrawable switchgear equipment example — KYN28-12 equipment example, not a hydropower project photograph. The project voltage and configuration require separate confirmation.

Divide the hydropower electrical package by function

List MV distribution, station-service supplies, LV auxiliaries, protection/control and DC power separately. Generator, grid and specialist-system interfaces need to be defined in the SLD and technical specification.

MV panels for incomers, bus ties, transformer feeders, metering and protection as shown on the SLD.
Station-service transformers and LVAC boards for auxiliary loads and distribution circuits.
DC chargers and batteries sized from protection, control and tripping loads and the required autonomy.
Protection, metering and control panels with components and communication interfaces explicitly listed.

Package scope and responsibilities

Package scope and responsibilities
Package item	RFQ information	Boundary to confirm
MV and protection	SLD, current, fault duty/duration, relay functions, CT/PT and grid interfaces	Agree protection studies, settings, metering and connection-approval responsibilities
Station-service AC and DC	Transformer/LVAC load schedules, DC voltage, load profile and autonomy	Identify battery sizing, charger, auxiliaries and external connections
Plant integration	Trip/interlock signals, communications and commissioning requirements	Turbine, generator, excitation, plant SCADA and grid approval are not implied

Information to include in the RFQ

SLD and interfacesVoltage levels, bus arrangement, feeder duties, transformer connections, metering and grid-connection boundaries.

Ratings and protectionRated current, fault withstand and duration, relay functions, CT/PT ratios, earthing and project standards.

Auxiliary and DC loadsStation-service transformer ratings, LVAC feeders, DC voltage, load profile, charger scope and battery autonomy requirement.

Site conditionsIndoor/outdoor location, altitude, temperature, humidity, condensation, seismic/corrosion requirements and maintenance access.

Approval and commercial documentsDatasheets, GA, schematics, BOM/brands, FAT plan, applicable test evidence, manuals, packing, named delivery point and quotation validity.

Related distribution equipment

Medium Voltage Switchgear

Incoming, metering, bus section and feeder panels with project-specific protection.

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Low Voltage Switchgear

Main distribution, outgoing feeders and auxiliary power configured to the SLD.

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Prefabricated Substation

Coordinated MV, transformer and LV package boundaries for project review.

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How to compare supplier quotations

Technical complianceCheck voltage, fault duty, protection functions, DC autonomy, brands, environmental duty and applicable project requirements.

Complete scopePrice MV panels, transformers, LVAC, DC systems, controls, spares, packing and freight separately.

Optional cost reviewIdentify proposed layout, feeder, component-series or enclosure alternatives separately; maintain specified requirements unless the customer approves a change.

Manufacture and handoverAgree drawing approval, manufacturing lead time, FAT witnessing, export packing, transport boundaries and handover documents.

Frequently asked questions

What can a hydropower distribution package include?Depending on the SLD and supply boundary, it may include MV switchgear, station-service transformers, LVAC, DC chargers/batteries, protection/metering panels, controls and prefabricated substations.

What must be confirmed before quoting hydropower switchgear?Confirm the SLD, voltage, circuit duties, fault level/duration, relays, CT/PT, station loads, transformer data, DC autonomy, site environment, destination and required documents.

Does this package include turbine-generator control or grid approval?Not by default. Specialist equipment, excitation, plant SCADA, protection studies, site commissioning and authority approvals must have separately agreed scope and responsibilities.

Sources and scope

JCON ELEC prepared this procurement checklist to organize equipment, document and interface requirements. Product pages describe equipment families; cited standards and manufacturer material are technical references, not proof of JCON certification, authorization or completed projects. Final ratings, compliance, responsibilities and delivery scope require approved project documents and an agreed offer.

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Preparing a hydropower distribution RFQ?

Send the SLD, equipment list, protection/DC requirements, site conditions and destination so the package can be reviewed by system.

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