distributienetten

Distributienetten, or distribution networks, are the portion of an electrical power system that delivers electricity from the transmission grid to end users. They operate mainly at medium and low voltage and include substations that step voltage down from transmission levels to service levels. The networks connect generation facilities, transmission feeders and local customers, providing voltage regulation, fault isolation, and service continuity.

A distributienet consists of overhead lines and underground cables, transformers, switchgear, and protection equipment. Most systems use radial configurations, where each customer derives power along a single path from a substation. Some networks employ looped or meshed arrangements to increase reliability and allow rerouting around faults. Substations, often located at the intervals between feeders, contain transformers and switching gear to control power flow and voltage.

Operation and modernization: The growth of distributed energy resources, such as rooftop photovoltaic installations and energy storage, has made power flows bidirectional in many distributienetten. This requires improved monitoring and automation, including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), distribution management systems, and communication networks. Smart meters, voltage regulators, and fault location or service restoration tools help maintain reliability and energy efficiency.

Planning and regulation: National or regional regulators oversee planning, safety, and reliability standards for distribution networks. Planning considers capacity constraints, contingencies (N-1), and resilience to weather or other disturbances. Upgrades focus on reinforcing lines and transformers, deploying grid automation, and integrating distributed energy resources to support the energy transition.