Our power systems consist of various voltage levels from very high to low voltage. Higher voltages require more effort to handle safely, but are very effective in limiting power losses. Thus, the logical choice for long distance transmission is high voltage, while lower voltages are used for electricity distribution as well as short distance transmission of limited power. Transformers connect the different voltage levels.

Integration of renewable energies requires extension of the transmission system

The German transmission system consists of transmission lines with a voltage of 400 Kilovolts. In the center of the European interconnected power system, it connects the power systems of nations in distant regions. The steadily growing share of renewable energies in electricity generation increasingly requires an adaptation of the transmission system, since the sites with the best climatic conditions for generation are typically located far from the consumption areas. In Germany, for instance, the conditions for wind power generation are especially advantageous in the North, whereas the energy demand is highest in the South.

Simulations help optimizing network extensions

Network extension is often the most efficient means to integrate renewable energies. However, permission and construction of transmission lines and stations often take several years. Thus, it is important to determine the most efficient network extension options by means of detailed simulations, taking alternative technology solutions into account (e.g., OHL monitoring, high-temperature OHL, storages).