Energy grids in change
Modern power electronics and non-linear consumers are placing an increasing burden on electrical grids. As a result, the alternating current no longer shows the original sinusoidal curve as is the case with classic ohmic consumers (e.g. incandescent lamps, directly operated asynchronous motors, etc.)
Electrical appliances and machines are heavily loaded nowadays. This is reflected in increased heat losses, rising energy consumption and even the malfunction and failure of systems.
In addition, there is the change from centralised power generation with an easily plannable unidirectional flow direction of the electricity in the distribution network. Today we have volatile electricity grids, supplemented by alternative energy producers, with a multidirectional flow direction. The electricity here is no longer produced exclusively by dynamo-electric generators, but increasingly by DC energy sources. These are usually led via DC / AC converters to an approximately sinusoidal consumer.
Origin of network phenomena
- Sharp increase in non-linear consumers (LED lighting, computers, e-mobility (e-car, e-bus, e-bike, e-scooter, e-scooter, etc.) frequency converters, household goods, entertainment systems, security systems, building automation, etc.) that generate harmonics
- Increase in decentralised feeds (e.g. wind power, PV systems, etc.), which lead to instabilities in voltage maintenance
Power supply and consumers over time
Principle of system feedback
Conclusion
Due to our modern way of life, the degree of industrialisation, the progress of digitalisation as well as urbanisation included, our electrical networks are physically stressed differently than in the times when they were originally designed. This includes the entire chain from generation (centralised/decentralised) to distribution to the consumer and vice versa. This paradigm shift requires a rethink of (qualitative) supply security.