Lastverluste

Lastverluste, in electrical engineering and energy economics, refer to the portion of electrical power losses that occur when energy is transmitted or distributed to a load. They are distinguished from no-load losses, which occur even with no substantial load (for example, iron losses in transformers during magnetization). Lastverluste are the losses that scale with the delivered current and the impedance of conductors, cables, transformers, and other network elements.

The main components of Lastverluste include copper (I^2R) losses in conductors and windings, where heat is generated by the resistance as current flows. In transformers and rotating machines, copper losses add to stray losses, which arise from non-ideal magnetic, electric, and mechanical paths. In power electronics and converters, switching losses and conduction losses contribute to Lastverluste and typically grow with load and switching frequency. Some stray losses depend on operating voltage and load factor as well.

Measurement and use: Lastverluste are usually expressed as a power value (kilowatts) or as a percentage of transmitted power, and they are a key input in calculating overall efficiency, energy cost, and reliability of power systems. They are influenced by load level, temperature (which changes resistance), conductor cross-section, material quality, and aging. Higher transmission voltages reduce current for the same power, thereby lowering I^2R losses.

Mitigation strategies include increasing conductor cross-sections, using higher voltage levels, improving cooling, optimizing network topology, and employing efficiency-focused components and energy management practices. Understanding Lastverluste helps in planning, operation, and economic evaluation of electrical grids and industrial power systems.