juhtvõrkude

Juhtvõrkud, or electrical trunk lines, form the backbone of power transmission and distribution systems in many countries, including Estonia. They are high‑voltage conductors fabricated from materials such as aluminum, copper, or composite conductors, supported by towers or underground cables. The primary function of a juhtvõrk is to carry electric power generated at power plants to substations, where voltage is stepped down for local distribution. From these substations, lower‑voltage feeders supply electricity to homes, businesses, and industrial facilities.

There are two main categories of juhtvõrk: transmission and distribution. Transmission lines operate at voltages typically ranging from 110 kV to 765 kV or higher, enabling long‑distance transport with minimal power losses. Distribution lines, in contrast, operate at lower voltages, usually between 4 kV and 33 kV, and bring electricity to end users. All types of trunk lines are arranged in hierarchical networks, with high‑voltage corridors feeding medium‑ and low‑voltage grids, creating a multilevel cascading structure that enhances reliability and facilitates load management.

Modern juhtvõrk technologies incorporate advanced materials such as cross‑linked polyethylene for insulators and fiber‑reinforced polymer composites for conductors, improving mechanical strength and resistance to weather-related deterioration. Power‑line communication (PLC) systems are also integrated into some trunk lines, enabling real‑time monitoring and fault detection. In Estonia, the national grid managed by SE Power Grid includes extensive high‑voltage trunk networks that interconnect the country’s power plants and renewable generation sites, ensuring stable supply and supporting grid decentralization and smart grid initiatives.

Overall, juhtvõrkud are critical infrastructure, ensuring efficient and reliable transmission of electrical energy across vast distances and supporting modern economies’ ever‑growing demand for power.