A visit to Glasgow (2022-04)
With beautiful weather, representatives of TU Graz visited a two-day workshop in Glasgow to strengthen the cooperation with the University of Strathclyde. In addition to exchanging knowledge of the joint research topics, we had the chance to get a good overview of the impressive laboratory facilities on campus and in the nearby PNDC laboratory. We are looking forward to future joint projects and walking together on the path of a Scotsman who shaped electrical engineering, James Clerk Maxwell.
Philipp Hackl
Physical limits in 220-kV-Grids (2022-04)
Due to high load flows, 220 kV lines in Austria are exposed to high loads and operating limits or (n-1) limits are reached repeatedly. Due to the increasing demands on the grids (mainly due to the expansion and grid integration of renewable energies (cf. EAG), new pumped storage power plants and developments on the electricity market), the loads will continue to increase, and the question arises which physical system limits exist in the 220 kV grid (also with the application of weather-dependent overhead line operation (dynamic line rating) or with the use of TAL cables ropes, so-called "high temperature ropes").
The use of high temperature ropes with lower thermal expansion allows higher ampacity. Line capacities and inductances remain almost unchanged, so the surge impedance of the overhead line hardly changes. The utilization of the increased ampacity and (n-1) reserve therefore causes a correspondingly increased reactive power consumption of the overhead line, which must be covered by power plants or compensation plants nearby.
In the project, calculations and a short study were performed at IEAN on behalf of Austrian Power Grid AG (Austria's transmission grid operator, responsible for secure power supply and central to the energy transition in Austria) to evaluate and assess the physical limits. For this purpose, several calculations were performed, which exemplarily reproduce strong load flows in a regional 220 kV grid area and limits of expansion scenarios were determined.
The results show that physical limits appear at (very) high load flows due to voltage and reactive power problems. The reactive power consumption in (n-0) and (n-1) cases at high initial loads can no longer be covered without further measures, so that voltage problems occur in the considered grid area. Additional local compensation systems, which are limited by size and space requirements, contribute positively to voltage maintenance, but cannot provide all the reactive power needed for voltage stabilization. In addition to the voltage problems, the changed distribution of load flow in the grid must be taken into account. Due to the grid topology, an increase in power transport on the line under study is associated with a change in load flow on the parallel network meshes and must be considered accordingly.
Conclusion:
Without accompanying measures, voltage problems and limits of transmission capability occur in the 220 kV grid area under consideration. Even with accompanying measures such as compensation systems and a coordinated power plant deployment concept for the provision of reactive power, physical limits exist. Further increases in transmission capability are then possible, especially with an increase in the operating voltage to 380 kV.
Philipp Schachinger
OMICRON is our guest (2022.04.07)
OMICRON serves the electrical power industry with innovative products and services for testing, diagnostics and monitoring of assets worldwide. We help to make the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity safe and reliable.
complete program:
Transient Voltages by Switching Shunt Reactors in medium and high voltage grid (2022-03)
In high voltage grids with a high percentage of cables, voltage limits can be exceeded due to the increased reactive power demand. A mitigation method can be shunt reactors, which are located on the tertiary side of coupling transformers or directly on the high voltage substations. For proper operation, not only the static compliance but also the transient voltages must be below the maximum limits of the equipment. With the investigation of switching operations for different compensation variants in EMTP, IEAN supported the grid operators in the planning of a substation with gas insulated switchgears. The variants were analyzed for grid restoration scenarios, grid resonances and the use of optimized RC snubbers in the medium voltage.
How dangerous is it with a mobile phone or tablet in the bathtub? (2022-02)
If a device slips into the water, it is most likely broken. However, if it is connected to the power grid, it can be fatal for humans. The thought is tempting. Comfortably watching a film or talking to your girlfriend on the phone while sitting in the warm water. All kinds of trays and holders are now available to place your tablet or mobile phone as comfortably as possible above the bathtub. But what happens if it falls into the water? Is that as dangerous as a hairdryer?
"If the device is not connected to the mains, the voltages are usually so low that people don't feel anything," says Katrin Friedl from the Institute for Electrical Systems and Networks at Graz University of Technology. Battery-powered devices would simply break in the water if they were not well protected against it. "That's the worst thing about it," says Friedl with a smile.
At around five volts, the voltage of a USB is lower than that of a battery - which you can also touch without feeling anything. If you touch a nine-volt battery with your tongue, you just feel a (harmless) tingling sensation. In the electric circuit, the heart stops. It's completely different when a device is plugged into the socket: "Then I have a connection to the mains and to a higher voltage," explains Friedl. If electricity flows through the heart, i.e. between the two hands or between hand and foot, it becomes really dangerous for people: "The mains voltage of 230 volts is lethal," says Friedl. Although electrical installations have several safety precautions, it is better not to rely on them and never charge your mobile phone while surfing in the bathtub.
Voltages as low as 50 volts can be life-threatening: they trigger ventricular fibrillation, the heart can no longer pump blood through the body. This can happen if a defective electrical appliance is connected to the mains and several safety levels fail, says the electrical engineer. She therefore advises people to look for the CE mark on all purchases, i.e. that appliances have been built and tested according to European standards. Otherwise they may not be as safe as they should be. However, all plugs that conform to standards are built in such a way that they can be touched without anything happening. She also recommends that household electrical installations be checked by experts at least every ten years: Is the protective conductor connected in the sockets? Is the insulation still in order? Are the built-in switchgear state of the art? Even if you connect a lamp, you should know exactly how to do it and switch off the power beforehand. What you can and should do yourself: check the residual-current circuit breaker with the test button in the power box. Although all the appliances go out with the power and you might have to set one or the other clock, the effort pays off twice a year in the service of safety, says Friedl. She advises: "The time change is a good occasion. You have to set the clocks again anyway.
 |  Ass.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Katrin Friedl |
Copyright © 2022 Die Presse 12.02.2022
Christmas party 2021 (2021-12)
The head of the institute, Prof. Schürhuber, was especially interested in having another Christmas party in presence in 2021. The COVID regulations allowed this, so, no sooner said than done, we met on 2021.12.21 at the Ristorante/Focacceria San Pietro.
In a fine little round we were able to discover the full culinary range of this restaurant. Some of us were even tempted to try the house specialty, focaccia. At the beginning quite skeptically, however, finally all those colleagues who dared to do so were delighted by the specialty. Following an old tradition, our external lecturers were of course also invited to the IEAN Christmas party and, like all attendees, they visibly enjoyed the party.
Online-Talk Versorgungssicherheit (2021-12)
| APA0283 5 WI 0367 CI Do, 16.Dez 2021 Do, 16.Dez 2021 Strom/Energiewirtschaft/Gas/E-Control/Österreich/Wien TU-Professor sieht kein Strom-Blackout drohen Renner: Aus früheren Ausfällen wurden Lehren gezogen - "Stehen heute viel besser da" - 380-kV-Ring wesentlich - Flexible Gaskraftwerke als Reservekapazität nötig |
| Wien (APA) - In Österreich und auch in Europa habe es bisher in der Stromversorgung noch kein echtes Blackout gegeben - abgesehen von größeren, aber begrenzten Stromausfällen, die rasch wieder beherrscht worden seien. Das sagte der Grazer TU-Professor Herwig Renner in einem Online-Talk des Regulators Energie-Control. Aus größeren Ausfällen seit den 1960er Jahren habe man Lehren gezogen. Für ein echtes Blackout müsste es zu einem Zusammenspiel mehrerer großer Ereignisse kommen, sagte E-Control-Vorstand Haber. Renner nannte etwa das Zusammentreffen einer Kältewelle mit starken Winterstürmen, "das wäre einmal die Voraussetzung". Trennungen im Netzsystem habe es gegeben, die seien aber immer beherrscht worden, so der TU-Professor. So habe der Ausfall 1965 in New York gezeigt, dass die Regelbarkeit des Netzes verbessert werden müsse: "Heute stehen wir viel besser da." Das im Jahr 2003 finstere Italien habe gezeigt, dass Netzbetreiber grenzüberschreitend kooperieren müssen. Auch beim Systemsplit 2006, als Europa zeitweise in zwei bzw. drei Teile zerfallen war, sei "das Netz als solches in Betrieb" geblieben: "Das war im eigentliche Sinne kein Blackout", sagte Renner. Ein wesentlicher Beitrag dafür, dass es in Österreich nicht zu einem Blackout kommt, sei der 380-kV-Ring. Im Schnitt war bei den österreichischen Haushalten in den letzten Jahren die Stromversorgung laut Haber für 25 bis 27 Minuten im Jahr unterbrochen, das sei im europäischen und im weltweiten Vergleich "ein sehr guter Wert". Für Industriekunden seien die Werte noch besser, so Renner. Angesichts des geplanten starken Ausbaus der Erneuerbaren Energien plädierte Univ.Prof. Renner vom Institut für Elektrische Anlagen und Netze der Technischen Universität Graz dafür, Reservekapazitäten zu bauen, denn: "Die Dunkelflaute schwebt wie ein Damoklesschwert über uns" - also Zeiten ohne PV- und Windstrom. Nötig seien flexible Gaskraftwerke, die auch mit der Wasserstoff-Technologie kompatibel sein sollten. "Wenn die begleitenden Gaskraftwerke nicht kommen, wird auch ein Abschalten der Kohlekraftwerke nicht möglich sein", so Renner. Anders als E-Control-Vorstand Haber ist der TU-Professor "vielleicht nicht ganz so optimistisch", dass es in Österreich gelingen wird, bis zum Jahr 2030 die Stromversorgung - bilanziell übers Jahr gesehen - ganz auf Erneuerbare umzustellen. |
Zur Aufzeichnung des Gesprächs: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/8787550236610761741
sp/ivn
Solar Storm on November 3 and 4, 2021 in Austria (2021-11)
The new solar cycle 25 shows its effects: A massive coronal mass ejection(CME) on November 1 and 2 hit the earth on November 3 and 4 and caused high geomagnetically induced currents(GICs) in the Austrian transmission grid. The increased currents were measured and analyzed with the measurement system developed at the Institute of Electrical Power System at Technische Universität Graz. The picture shows the time series of three of the eight installed measuring devices in the transmission grid of Austrian Power Grid AG. For more information, please visit
www.tugraz.at/en/institutes/iean/research/power-quality-supply-reliability/low-frequency-neutral-point-currents
Philipp Schachinger
High-Voltage Test Cell handed over to IEAN (2021-11)
With the support of Austrian Power Grid AG and Siemens Energy AG, a high-voltage test cell for transformer tests was set up at IEAN. The test cell has now been handed over to IEAN. As part of the project Low-frequency Neutral Point Currents 2, the influence of solar storms on transformers and the Austrian power transmission grid is being investigated at IEAN.
For more information, please visit https://www.tugraz.at/en/institutes/iean/research/power-quality-supply-reliability/low-frequency-neutral-point-currents
People in picture from l. to r.: Dennis Albert, Philipp Schachinger, Herwig Renner, Gerald Leber, Martin Stössl
Best Master's Thesis Award from ECSEL-Austria (2021-10)
On 18 October 2021, the ECSEL-Austria conference on " Sustainable Society: Move Data, not People - Positioning Europe " took place in Vienna. In the course of the conference, the award ceremony for three Bachelor's/Master's theses on the topic of "Electronic-Based Systems" was held, where submissions were reviewed and graded by a jury of experts.
IEAN would like to congratulate Carina Lehmal on winning first place with her master's thesis "Investigation and Validation of Stability for the Photovoltaic Integration into a Medium Voltage Grid Based on PHIL Testing" supervised by Dr. Zhang and Prof. Fickert.
Ziqian Zhang
Joint Online Course for Chinese and Austrian Students (2021-10)
The first joint online course has started this semester! To prepare students well for the class, Dr. Zhang (TU Graz) produced 6 MOOCs in cooperation with our LLT Team. This service was highly appreciated by all students (TU Graz, Tongji University, Dianji University). At the beginning of October the first online lecture went on air. Even though the first lecture on Modern Power Systems - jointly taught by Dr. Zhang and Prof. Chen (Shanghai Dianji University) – took place during the Chinese national holidays, many students participated in the class both online and in the seminar rooms at the different universities. In the weeks to come students will be matched to work on different projects in small international groups.
If you are interested in offering a joint online course with a partner university click here (https://tu4u.tugraz.at/bedienstete/meine-karriere/auslandsaufenthalte-international-weiterbilden-lehren-und-forschen/wissenschaftliches-personal/joint-online-courses/).
Next call: April 15, 2022
Barbara Böttger, International Office - Welcome Center
"Not all blackouts are the same" (2021-10)
A blackout is an extremely rare catastrophic event - it's the worst-case scenario for the power grid operator that "we don't think is likely," reassured E-Control board member Alfons Haber at a recent technical lecture. "It's rare," Prof. Herwig Renner from Graz University of Technology also confirmed, "but you can't completely rule it out."
Further Information:
- Presentation of the study by Prof. Renner
Press releases:
https://www.kleinezeitung.at vom 14.10.2021
https://www.derstandard.at vom 27.09.2021
OVE Energy Technology Conference 2021 (2021-10)
From 6 to 7 October, the OVE Energy Technology Conference 2021 took place this year as a hybrid event with about 200 participants at the voestalpine Stahlwelt in Linz. Prof. Schürhuber talked about the technical challenges of integration of renewable energy sources in his presentation on "Grids and Power Electronics". Furthermore, the evening event was used to award prizes for graduation theses, and the IEAN would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Philipp Hackl as one of the winners of the Prof. Werner Rieder-Preis.
Excellent completion of PhD studies (2021-7)
We are proud to congratulate our newly graduated doctors Stefan Polster and Mike Lagler for successfully defending their doctoral theses and thus for finishing the doctoral program at TU Graz with distinction
The entire team of IEAN wishes you all the best on your future journey. We are looking forward to meet you both again soon!
You can find the published doctoral theses in the section Theses
https://www.tugraz.at/institute/iean/abschlussarbeiten/dissertationen/#c237190
Successful completion of the international cooperation project “Hardware-in-the-Loop Testsystem”
The "Hardware-in-the-Loop Test System" project is the first application of a new type of test and validation procedure for faster marketability of grid-compatible inverters for their manufacturers and developers.
The project approval meeting of our international cooperation project with Shanghai Dianji University was successfully held in an online meeting on June 10, 2021. The project was based on a hardware-in-the-loop test system to study test equipment, test methods and test procedures for grid compliance of wind power system. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Guochu Chen from the Dianji University and was attended by several Chinese experts, as well as experts from IEAN, including Prof. Robert Schürhuber and Prof. Lothar Fickert, as well as Dr. Ziqian Zhang and Carina Lehmal BSc. Dr. Zhang and Ms. Lehmal presented the results of the project to the Chinese side.
The Chinese experts expressed their satisfaction with the results of the project and pointed out that the proposed methodology in the project can significantly shorten the testing and certification period for wind power system. The project was successfully approved.
Ziqian Zhang
Effects of the solar storm (05/2021)
On May 12th 2021 a coronal mass ejection (CME) from May 9th 2021 arrived during noon at the Earth. Causing increased transformer neutral point current variation with current amplitudes up to 13.8 A.
The CME was detected at the Lagrange point L1 at 2021-05-12 5:48 UTC. L1 is located between the Earth and the Sun. The solar wind speed increase from 210 km/s to 450-490 km/s.
Source: https://kauai.ccmc.gsfc.nasa.gov/CMEscoreboard/
The IEAN team of Herwig Renner, Philipp Schachinger and Dennis Albert are investigating the effects of geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) on the high-voltage transmission grid in Austria together with the APG and Siemens Energy. For more information on geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) in Austria klick on our website: www.tugraz.at/institute/iean/forschung-dienstleistungen/versorgungsqualitaet-und-versorgungssicherheit/niederfrequente-sternpunktstroeme/
Dennis Albert, Philipp Schachinger
PHIL lab in full operation (05/2021)
Hundred-meter-high wind towers rise above the banks of the Danube and endless photovoltaic panels cover the plains, constantly feeding green energy into the grid. Their stable operation is essential for economic development and for ensuring our quality of life.
Recently, IEAN's PHIL lab was taken into full operation. The PHIL lab's experimental equipment replicates real electrical and mechanical systems to evaluate the stability performance of plants and grids with a high percentage of renewable energies. For this purpose, stability mechanisms need to be investigated and defined in a new way. The results provide theoretical foundations and recommendations for product improvements for manufacturers and a reliable assessment for grid operators.
Using our PHIL lab, we have investigated the fault dynamic behavior of embedded HVDC lines as well as full-scale converters for wind and PV systems. (See links for details) Furthermore, we investigated the stability of large industrial PV projects.
The research results have already been incorporated into a number of projects and serve as a key technology for the safe operation of green energy grids.
Links:
Advanced-automated-emergency-control-strategy-for-embedded-vsc-hvdc-links
Study of stability after low voltage ride-through
Ziqian Zhang
Space Weather Workshop 2021: Geomagnetically Induced Currents and Space Weather Prediction in Austria (4/2021)
See our poster presentation during the online Space Weather Workshop 2021, where we from IEAN and ZAMG present our current research results about geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) and space weather prediction in Austria.
Rachel L. Bailey from ZAMG talks about geolectric field prediction in Austria. Philipp Schachinger and Dennis Albert talk about GIC simulation and measurement in the Austrian power grid, as well as power transformer research.
Join us on the poster session on April 22nd from 5 – 6:30 PM EDT (23:30 MEZ) on Webex https://tugraz.webex.com/tugraz-de/j.php?MTID=m050997056d2e2d903bc3dc008618ddea.
A short overview presentation can be found on our Youtube channel youtu.be/uRB5Bca73p8
Thanks to Siemens Energy and Austrian Power Grid for your support!
Dennis Albert
Cooperation TU Graz with University of Strathclyde and technical exchange with Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences (04/2021)
The Institute of Electrical Power Systems from the Technical University of Graz (IEAN) started a cooperation with the University of Strathclyde from Glasgow in the field of converter coupled systems. We found a large overlap in future research areas despite the partly different circumstances due to geography (off-shore wind power plants vs. large hydropower plants). Here, the integration of converter-fed generation systems and the corresponding stability studies are particularly of interest. Due to the joint research focus we can learn a lot from each other and there is a high interest to enhance the cooperation in the future. For this purpose, there will be regular online meetings and as soon as possible also a personal visit will be aimed.
Another technical exchange took place on 8.4.2021 with Prof. Holger Wrede with his research group "Power Electronic Energy Systems" at the University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf. With the research focus on plant control, system management and dynamic behavior of power-electronic-dominated electrical energy systems, we complement each other in many aspects and will keep in contact.
Philipp Hackl
Project Low Frequency Currents: 7. measuring device installed (3/2021)
On March 15th the 7th transformer neutral point current measurement system from IEAN, TU Graz was installed in the Austrian transmission grid of APG at the substation ‘Westtirol’. These transformer neutral point current measurement in the Austrian transmission grid are used to study geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) and their effects on power transformers. The currents in the western area of Austria are expected to be higher than the currents in the eastern part, due to the rocky soil in this part of Austria. The already measured current support this hypothesis.
Thanks to the APG team at the substation ‘Westtirol’ for your support! Also thanks to our project partners Austrian Power Grid and Siemens Energy for your support in our joint research project Nf-Sternpunkt 2.
More information:
https://www.tugraz.at/institute/iean/forschung-dienstleistungen/versorgungsqualitaet-und-versorgungssicherheit/niederfrequente-sternpunktstroeme/
Dennis Albert
Xenius: Solar storms – Research of an mysterious Danger (2/2021)
In a new episode of ARTEs Xenius series, Prof. Renner was again shown to explain the influence of solar storms on power grids. The shooting for this took place in February 2020, among others at the Conrad Observatory near Vienna (earlier news).
The episode is online available in German and French until May 5, 2021:
https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/092141-011-A/xenius-sonnenstuerme
Philipp Schachinger
Frequenzabfall im Europäischen Stromnetz am 8.1.2021 (1/2021)
Durch Ausfall einer Sammelschienenkupplung in einem kroatischen Umspannwerk wurde eine Kaskade von Leitungsausfällen ausgelöst, die letztendlich zu einer Netztrennung des europäischen Verbundnetzes führte. Durch Erzeugungsdefizit im blau eingefärbten nord-westlichen Netzteil kam es zu einer transienten Frequenzabsenkung von ca. 250 mHz.
Die Primärregelung zur Stabilisierung der Frequenz hat plangemäß funktioniert. Aus der stationären Frequenzänderung von knapp 200 mHz kann das Ausmaß der Störung (Erzeugungsausfall) mit mindestens 3000 MW abgeschätzt werden. Da die Ursache für die Frequenzänderung (Wegfall von Erzeugung) außerhalb des betrachteten nord-westlichen Netzteils lag, konnte die Sekundärregelung die Frequenz nicht automatisch auf 50 Hz zurückführen. Die in den Medien genannten manuellen Abschaltungen von Großverbrauchern waren die Konsequenz.
Lastfluss auf einer grenznahen österreichischen 400-kV-Leitung; man erkennt Primärregelenergie, die in West-Ost-Richtung durch Österreich geleitet wird.
Herwig Renner
Every year...
...the Christmas party is a fixed point on the calendar of the Institute of Electrical Power Systems (IEAN). Following this year's motto that "special times require special measures", we decided to hold our pre-Christmas get-together in 2020 virtually. Prof. Schürhuber summarised the smaller and larger highlights of the institute's year in his speech, the entire IEAN choir sang their way into the Advent season together, a virtual room escape game challenged the brain cells and one or two recited poems rounded off the event. Nonetheless, we are all already looking forward to when the social distance finally can be reduced to a good level and we can sit together again in the usual way.
The IEAN wishes all its friends and their loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2021!
Earthing Measurement Murkraftwerk Graz Puntigam
In close cooperation with the IHS of Graz University of Technology, the IEAN carried out the final earthing measurement of the new Murkraftwerk Graz Puntigam. The aim of the measurement was to check the earthing, equipotential bonding and lightning protection system of the power plant, which is already in full operation.
IEAN and IHS accompanied the project Murkraftwerk Graz Puntigam from the very beginning with regard to the earthing, equipotential bonding and lightning protection system. In cooperation with the planners, a special earthing and lightning protection concept was developed for this power plant, which ensures the protection of persons, animals and property.
Earthing Measurement UW Villach Süd
In close cooperation with IHS, IEAN carried out the final measurement of the earthing system of the new substation Villach Süd. The 220/110 kV Villach South substation is designed as an outdoor switchgear, serves as a grid support and is intended to contribute to the continued reliable supply of electricity in the Villach area. IEAN and IHS were involved in the project from the very beginning and contributed important aspects regarding the earthing and equipotential bonding and lightning protection system to the conceptual design of the substation. The aim of this measurement was to check the effectiveness of the earthing, equipotential bonding and lightning protection system to ensure the protection of persons, animals and property. Furthermore, the measurement results serve to verify the calculations of the earthing, equipotential bonding and lightning protection system of the Villach Süd substation carried out at IEAN.
Institute Hiking day of the IEAN
The Institute of Electrical Power Systems has an annual institute hiking day to strengthen the team spirit and improve the work climate. This year, on 29 September 2020, it took us to the Rote Wand in Tyrnau, where we found great hiking weather and a wonderful view.
We started at 8:00 a.m. from the institute in the direction of Tyrnau, where a COVID19-compliant group picture was taken at the Rote Wand parking area, before we started the uphill hike towards the summit cross.
On the way, close to the summit cross of the Rote Wand, we spotted wild ibexes. Without being shy and completely in harmony with the beautiful surroundings, our institute director was able to get a little closer to the wild animals.
Arriving at the summit cross we enjoyed the great view which reaches from Hochschwab, Murtal, Gleinalm, Koralm to Schöckl. On the return, we stopped at the Tyrnaueralm Hut at 1350m to get some refreshment after the exhausting ascent. After a total of about 5 hours we reached the car park again and started our journey home.
Manuell Galler
AIRCAMPUS Podcast
AirCampus is a podcast platform of the four universities of Graz for science communication. In the course of the podcast series at Graz University of Technology, there is now an article about IEAN. In the talk, which lasts about 3 minutes, the research topic of geomagnetically induced currents and their influence on the energy transmission grid is outlined.
https://www.aircampus-graz.at/podcasts/sonne_strom/
Philipp Schachinger
Reorganization of the institute library
The increasing number of scientific journals, technical literature and theses in the inventory of the Institute of Electrical Power Systems required a new structuring of the institute library. The outdated archiving system was replaced by the centrally administered library system of Graz University of Technology. Thus, in addition to books, all diploma and master theses, dissertations and habilitations have been added to the inventory system of the library of Graz University of Technology. During the following reorganization of the institute library, some treasures were rediscovered.
Lange Nacht der Forschung 2020
Die Lange Nacht der Forschung (LNF) ist einzigartig. Sie ist das größte Event für Wissenschaft und Forschung im deutschsprachigen Raum. Alle 2 Jahre werden an einem Abend in ganz Österreich innovative Erkenntnisse und bahnbrechende Technologien für ein breites Publikum zugänglich gemacht.
Dieses Jahr findet die LNF ausschließlich online statt. Von 9.10.2020 bis 30.10.2020 sind über 600 Beiträge aus ganz Österreich online abrufbar.
Auch das Thema Sonnenstürme, mit deren Auswirkungen sich Bachelor- und Masterarbeiter sowie zwei Dissertation am IEAN beschäftigen, wird in zwei Beiträgen näher beleuchtet.
Sonnensturm: Wann kommt der nächste?
Quelle: www.langenachtderforschung.at
Support of grid restoration test from KELAG und Kärnten Netz
The grid restoration strategy after large-scale blackouts in Austria focuses on hydro power plants in Salzburg and Carinthia. The management of the grid restoration is not only trained on the simulator, but also regularly tested on the real grid through black start and island grid tests. On September 18, 2020, such tests were carried out by KELAG and Kärnten Netz with the Fragant power plant group. The Institute for Electrical Power Systems (IEAN) accompanied these tests as a scientific partner, carried out part of the measurements and took over the evaluation of the measurement data.
Hardware update for transformer neutral point measuring devices
Changes in the Earth's magnetic field can cause unwanted low-frequency currents in our electrical transmission grid. These currents flow through grounded transformer star points. In a joint research project with the Austrian transmission grid operator APG and Siemens, IEAN measures these low-frequency currents, also known as geomagnetically induced currents (GIC).
In order to be able to measure these currents also in case of future geomagnetic disturbances (GMD), the hardware of some measuring devices was updated on September 23rd and 24th, 2020. IEAN would like to thank the APG staff who supported us with the maintenance.
Solar storms and geomagnetically induced currents
Arte-Documentation: Solar storms and geomagnetically induced currents
On Saturday, 8 August 2020 at 21:45 Arte will broadcast a documentary on solar storms and geomagnetically induced currents. The IEAN team led by Prof. Herwig Renner is investigating the effects of solar activity on the power grid as part of the Low Frequency currents project.
The shooting for this took place in February 2020, among others at the Conrad Observatory near Vienna (earlier news).
Link to the documentation: https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/086943-000-A/sonnenstuerme-die-raetselhafte-gefahr/
Philipp Schachinger, Dennis Albert
From everyday life at the institute
Our IEAN Jour Fixe was held every 14 days since 23.03.2020 COVID-19 using our video conferencing tool. Since we could not hold our first personal Jour Fixe after almost 4 months in our institute library due to the still valid rules of distance, this short meeting was moved to the lecture hall i1.
#spacing
#stay healthy
Daniel Herbst
Master theses successfully defended
We congratulate the two former master students Andreas Prohammer and Tobias Wöhr for successfully defending their master thesis at IEAN. Both exams were taken via video conference, which has become routine by now.
In his master thesis Andreas Prohammer examined the behaviour of power transformers under asymmetrical DC in the phases of the high and low voltage windings.
In Tobias Wöhr's master's thesis, the behaviour of a synchronous generator and the surrounding grid in the event of a short circuit is examined.
The IEAN team congratulates to your successfully defended master thesis and whises you all the best for your future path. We are looking forward to seeing you again soon!
You can find open bachelor and master theses in the teaching section.
Dennis Albert
Obituary of the TU Graz for Manfred Wurm
Graz University of Technology and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology mourn the death of Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Manfred Wurm, who died on 6 April 2020 at the age of 59.
Manfred Wurm was born on 17 June 1960 in Vienna. After completing his education at the Secondary Technical School Vienna 4, he studied electrical power engineering at the TU Wien, which he completed “with excellency”.
In 1997 he passed the examination to be an acknowledged engineering consultant. In the following year he was granted the status of chartered engineering consultant for electrical and electronic engineering, and shortly afterwards he received the certificate of competence for the operation of an engineering consultancy office for electrical engineering.
Manfred Wurm began his professional career at Elin Union AG with the development of high voltage switchgear. From 1992 to 2000 he carried out various planning tasks as legally responsible director for Umwelttechnik Wien GmbH. He then worked at Cegelec GmbH as a project manager and authorized representative for electrical plant construction, before joining Netz Niederösterreich GmbH, where he developed protection concepts and project planning guidelines for network engineering. In addition, he found time and energy for commissioning activities, fault analyses and coaching activities in the network planning department.
In the academic field, his dissertation with the title “Comparison of methods for determining fault location distance for single-pole fault detection in practical grid operation" is proof of his restless practice-based research interest, which he completed at the Institute for Electrical Power Systems at our Technical University in 2013. His teaching activities at technical universities included guest lectures at Graz University of Technology and TU Wien and - since 2014 - he has been a university lecturer in protection technology, for which he was even nominated for the Best Lecture Award of TU Wien in 2017.
With Manfred Wurm, Graz University of Technology has lost a highly esteemed colleague and popular lecturer. Our condolences and sympathy go to his wife and family.
Lothar Fickert
DEFENSE OF BACHELOR AND MASTER THESES AT IEAN
In the past few days, despite the currently difficult circumstances, five students have successfully completed their Bachelor's or Master's thesis at IEAN.
Congratulations to Benjamin Jauk, Abedin Bytqi, Matthias Rüschitz and Konstantin Tschabuschnig for successfully defending their master thesis. Congratulations also to Peter Wohlfart on the successful completed his Bachelor thesis.
The IEAN wishes you success in your future professional life or in your further studies. You are cordially invited to visit the IEAN again in the future - we always look forward to see you again!
Despite the current circumstances, it is possible to start your Bachelor's or Master's thesis at the IEAN. You can find our currently advertised work on the website. If there is nothing suitable, please contact us by phone or e-mail.
Filming in the Conrad Observatory
In the course of filming a documentary on the topic of geomagnetically induced currents in Austria, the IEAN was invited to the Conrad Observatory. Prof. Renner presented our simulation tool in the tunnel and explained the activities of IEAN in this area and the importance of the entire research area.
Project Neutral Point Current: Measurement system installation in Zurndorf substation, Lower Austria
In January 2020, IEAN installed another measuring device for recording low-frequency neutral point currents in the Austrian transmission grid. In a joint research project with APG and Siemens, the influence of low-frequency neutral point currents on power transformers and the transmission grid is being investigated. These currents are influenced, for example, by changing solar activity and are therefore also called geomagnetically induced currents (GIC). Thanks to APG and Siemens for their support!
Earth measurement
In the pre-Christmas season 2019, the Institute of Electrical Power Systems measured the behavior of the earthing system at a 380 kV substation, located directly next to an electrified railway. The reason for this is the extension of the railway and the construction of a pedestrian crossing. The measurement results serve as a basis for the calculations, on which results the earthing systems of the future installations will be dimensioned in such a way that, after integration into the existing earthing system, the protection of persons and property can be guaranteed both in normal operation and in the event of a fault.
OVE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE 2019
On 16 and 17 of October the OVE Energy Technology Conference took this year place in Innsbruck. These conferences are an annual fixture for national and international representatives of the energy technology industry. At this event, experts from the economic sector, energy companies and researchers have met at the Innsbruck Trade Fair Centre to present and discuss current topics related to electrical energy storage and storage systems, sector coupling (Power-to-X), flexibility options as well as the reliability of the power supply.
During the evening event, the OVE Energy Technology Award for young scientists and technicians was presented. The prize is awarded to pupils, students and graduates of Austrian educational institutions. This year the master thesis of IEAN graduate DI Manuel Galler was awarded. Mr. DI Galler was invited to present his excellent work during the OVE symposium.
Arc safety of transformer stations
The arcing fault in a transformer station is rare, but when it does occur, large amounts of energy are released in a short time. It is therefore important that the safety of people and the stability of the building structure can be guaranteed in this exceptional case. At the end of 2019, the IEAN and IES Institute for Electrical Engineering and Safety Civil Engineering GmbH collected measurement data during arcing type tests, which will improve the future calculation and evaluation of pressure loads in transformer stations.
The video shows the successful verification of the operating safety in slow motion. The arc is ignited in the medium-voltage switchgear on the left side of the station building.
2nd Technical Colloquium Power Engineering
On 13th / 14th November, the second technical colloquium of energy technology took place at the Institute for Electrical Power Systems at the TU Graz.
Prof. Bernd Oswald from Hannover, Prof. Peter Schegner from Dresden, em. Prof. Lothar Fickert from Graz and Prof. Lutz Hofmann from Hannnover, discussed with Prof. Robert Schürhuber and Prof. Herwig Renner from the IEAN current developments in the field of energy technology and exchanged views on research results. Furthermore, the Grazer culture and gastronomy could impress the guests.
EXCURSION SIEMENS TRANSFORMERS LINZ
At the beginning of the week, on 30.09.2019, IEAN visited the Siemens transformer plant in Linz. In addition to a project meeting, the students and employees of the IEAN had the opportunity to visit the plant in Linz. At the Linz location, each transformer is developed and produced individually for the special applications of the customers. From core layering to acceptance testing, all process steps are carried out at the site in Linz.
KLAUSUR MEETING IEAN WACHAU
The IEAN met on the 23.09.2019 in the Wachau in order to set the course for a successful future of the institute. Under the excellent leadership of Bernhard Ibertsberger, a lively discussion about the challenges and goals of the institute developed in the morning, which was dealt with in detail after lunch in small groups.
The second day was completely devoted to energy engineering with the visits of the nuclear power plant Zwentendorf and the substation Dürnrohr. The Zwentendorf NPP is worldwide unique, because it has never been in service. Therefore, areas of the reactor can be inspected which are normally not accessible due to radiation exposure even after shutdown. Thus, a direct view into the pressure vessel of the boiling water reactor and the committing of the containment is possible.
The second day was completely devoted to energy engineering with the visits of the nuclear power plant Zwentendorf and the substation Dürnrohr. The Zwentendorf NPP is worldwide unique, because it has never been in service. Therefore, areas of the reactor can be inspected which are normally not accessible due to radiation exposure even after shutdown. Thus, a direct view into the pressure vessel of the boiling water reactor and the committing of the containment is possible.
Model of a Francis turbine
After extensive restoration work, a model of a Francis turbine can now be seen in front of the rooms of the Institute of Electrical Power Systems.
Many thanks to ANDRITZ HYDRO GmbH for providing the turbine model and many thanks to the IHS mechanical workshop (Anton Schriebl and Christoph Probst) for built-up the metal substructure.
Prof. Schürhuber, DI D.Herbst, DI M.Fürnschuß
In the period from 20 August to 30 September 2019, the Institute of Electrical Power Systems was represented by four academics at Tongji University in Shanghai. During the first week, Prof. Dr. Schürhuber, the institute's head, held a special lecture on " From Energy Turnaround to Challenges for High Penetration of Renewable Energy ". Further lectures were given by Em. Prof. Dr. L. Fickert and Dr. Ziqian. Furthermore, Mr. Alexander Atzmueller supported the Institute for Rail Transit in the sense of deepening the scientific cooperation by evaluating technical literature regarding the reliability of the power supply in the metro area.
Zigian Zhang
Visit of a delegation of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology
On 21.06.2019 we received a delegation of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology at our institute. The high-ranking delegation of representatives of the government and the automotive industry visited the laboratory facilities of our Institute of Electrical Power Systems, the laboratory of the Electrical Drives and Machines Institute as well as the Nikola Tesla Laboratory of the Institute of High Voltage Engineering and System Performance. The trip of our Chinese partners focused on the latest scientific findings in the field of electric drives, alternative fuels and e-mobility. Our institute presented in the course of its projects around electrical safety as well as protection against electric shock at DC charging stations for electric vehicles.
Ziqian Zhang and Daniel Herbst
New cooperation with Shanghai Dianji University
With the signing of the cooperation agreement on 24.06.2019 a new era of cooperation between the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of Shanghai Dianji University and the Institute of Electrical Power Systems of Graz University of Technology has started. The two institutions, represented by Vice Rectors H.Bischof and D. Chen, our dean W.Bösch and professors R. Schürhuber and G. Chen, jointly unveiled a plaque in front of our institute expressing the university exchange. In addition to interesting discussions between the delegation participants and the representatives of Graz University of Technology, various laboratory facilities were also visited. We are already looking forward to a long-term partnership with our Chinese colleagues, for example in projects in the institute's own Power Hardware-in-the-Loop laboratory in the field of renewable energies.
Ziqian Zhang and Daniel Herbst
Excursion to the thermal power plant Mellach
On 27.05.2019 we had again the opportunity to carry out an excursion to the thermal power plant Mellach of the Austrian Thermal Power Association as part of the lecture Electrical Energy Systems 2.
During this excursion, we were able to visit the coal-fired power station, the gas and steam power plant, the control room and the switchgear and receive detailed explanations on function and operation. We also got an interesting insight into the current driving style of thermal systems, which are strongly influenced by redispatch.
In sum, this excursion was an ideal complement to the lecture, in which the theory of thermal power plants was discussed in advance.
IEAN at CIRED 2019 in Madrid
The biggest conference and exhibition on electricity distribution was held in Spain from 3rd-6th of June 2019. The institute of electrical power systems was part of the conference with 6 participants, 7 publications – therefrom 4 as oral presentation - one tutorial presenter and one special reporter and roundtable-convenor.
participants: Robert Schürhuber, Lothar Fickert, Herwig Renner, Katrin Friedl, Daniel Herbst, Mike Lagler
Publikationen:
- 66 – First results concerning localisation of earthfaults in compensated 20-kV-networks based on travelling waves
- 416 – Modelling the propagation of harmonic voltages in large medium voltage distribution networks
- 590 – LV Grid Data Analysis demonstrated at DSO Arbon Energie
- 963 – Power Quality improvement in a rural grid by grid storage system
- 1307 – Verification of protective measures for safety of DC charging stations for electric vehicles
- 1671 – Occupational EMF-Exposure: A Simple Guide for Testing Compliance with Requirements of Directive 2013/35/EU
- 2119 – Simplified Magnetic Field Evaluation for Workers with Conductor Loops
In memoriam Manfred Sakulin
In deep sadness, we announce that Univ.-Lecturer Dr. Manfred Sakulin, retired associate professor, passed away.
Manfred Sakulin began working at the Institute of Electrical Power Systems of Graz University of Technology in 1970 and decisively influenced the profile of the institute, which he led temporary from 1997 to 1999, until his retirement in 2007. Many of the areas of work and activities represented at the institute were initiated and built up by him. More than 100 diploma theses and dissertations supervised by him give evidence of his long-lasting influence on the Austrian power system community. A huge number of today's decision-makers in the electrical energy industry has attended the lectures and exercises of Manfred Sakulin.
He was a nationally and internationally recognized expert in the field of electrical energy systems and is known in particular as a pioneer of flicker measurement. His work and expertise in this field has been acknowledged all over the world, including countries such as Saudi Arabia and India.
Although he created the basis for various standards by his work in numerous committees and working groups, for him ultimately not the written norm, but common sense was the basis for his decisions.
In addition to his scientific work, he was involved in the Assistant Curia and worked for many years as representative of the non-tenured staff in the faculty of Electrical Engineering. The institute trips organized by him into his beloved Styrian mountains were incomparable.
Dear Manfred, we will not forget you, may you rest in peace!
Herwig Renner
INAUGURAL LECTRURE PROF. ROBERT SCHUERHUBER
Under the title "Future Challenges for Electrical Power Systems", Prof. Schuerhuber's inaugural lecture was able to strike a balance between previous research work, the challenges in energy technology and the future research contributions of the Institute of Electrical Power Systems.
As a driving force for the changes in the energy sector, Prof. Robert Schuerhuber cites our rising consumption and mainly carbon-based production of energy. Due to the previous handling of raw materials, humans action influences the earth ecosystem more and more negatively. In order to counteract this negative trend, the electrical energy supply plays a key role. Due to the versatile usability, for example, in the area of mobility, air conditioning and heat engineering, resources can be used more effectively. The Institute of Electrical Power Systems do research for example in the field of sector coupling and in the planning and operation of large networks.
After the inaugural lecture, numerous guests from industry, families and universities discussed in a pleasant atmosphere in the foyer of the Energy Center Graz.
The Institute
In October 2017, Prof. Robert Schuerhuber took over the Institute of Electrical Systems from Prof. Lothar Fickert. In order to highlight the current and future research activities in the field of energy networks, the institute bears the name "Institute of Electrical Power Systems". The three core competences of the institute lie in the areas of
- calculation and planning of energy systems and of the grid connection for generating plants,
- analysis of quality of supply and supply reliablility,
- Assessment of earthing systems and questions regarding personal safety.
Power system field trip of the IEAN to Carinthia
On 28.01.2019, a field trip brought students and staff members of IEAN to Carinthia. There, the participants got insights into the hydro power plant Schütt 2 of KELAG and into the heating plant of Stadtwerke Klagenfurt AG. Between the two power plant tours, the participants visited the substation Landskron of Kärnten Netz GmbH.
The field trip to Carinthia started at 6:30 AM with the departure at the TU Graz. When we arrived at the Schütt 2 power plant, we were welcomed by three KELAG employees. The power plant Schütt 2 is currently under revitalizing work, whereby the aging power plant infrastructure will be replaced by new technology. The heart of the hydroelectric power plant is its turbine and generator unit. During the visit, the already installed turbine and hydro system could be subdued from the inside of the turbine housing, which is not accessible under operation. After a refreshment, the dam was visited, which is located about 3 km upstream.
The next station led to the completely renewed 110-kV-substation Landskron, an important grid node of the Carinthian distribution network. After a brief presentation on the general operation management and safety instructions, the substation was visited. Special focus was laid on the high voltage equipment and the emergency battery system. After the guided tour through the substation, the cable measuring truck used by the KNG was demonstrated and it was possible to have an intensive discussion with the responsible technicians.
The last stop of the field trip was to the district heating plant of Stadtwerke Klagenfurt, the central hub of the Klagenfurt district heating network and the location of the energy control center of Stadtwerke Klagenfurt. Until the turn of the millennium, a coal-fired combined heat and power plant (CHP) was operated at the site. After decommission of the CHP plant, modern gas boilers were put into operation to ensure the supply of the city with district heating. During the dismantling of the old steam power plant, the 70-year-old brick-built boiler and a partially dismantled turbine-generator were obtained.
Exkursion Kraftwerk Mellach
The last stop of the field trip was to the district heating plant of Stadtwerke Klagenfurt, the central hub of the Klagenfurt district heating network and the location of the energy control center of Stadtwerke Klagenfurt. Until the turn of the millennium, a coal-fired combined heat and power plant (CHP) was operated at the site. After decommission of the CHP plant, modern gas boilers were put into operation to ensure the supply of the city with district heating. During the dismantling of the old steam power plant, the 70-year-old brick-built boiler and a partially dismantled turbine-generator were obtained.
Institute of Electrical Power Systems
Inffeldgasse 18/1
8010 Graz
Austria
Tel.: +43 (0) 316 / 873 - 7551
office.iean@tugraz.at