What is the main purpose of steel structures found in a substation?

The main purpose of steel structures in a substation is to support insulators. Steel structures are designed to withstand the mechanical loads and provide the necessary stability required for the overhead power lines and various components in a substation. Insulators are crucial in preventing electrical current from flowing where it shouldn't, and they need to be securely mounted to ensure they can effectively isolate the energized parts from the ground while supporting their weight.

Steel is chosen for these structures because of its strength, durability, and ability to handle the environmental stresses typically encountered in a substation setting. This includes high winds, heavy ice loads, and the requirements for grounding systems. Proper support of insulators ensures the integrity and safety of the electrical system as a whole, which is critical for the reliability of power distribution.

Other choices do not serve as the primary function of steel structures. While power distribution is the broader goal of the substation, it is not the direct purpose of the steel structures themselves. Temperature control is managed through other means like ventilation or cooling systems, and maintenance facilitation relates more to overall design and layout rather than the specific role of the steel structures.