lastavledning

Lastavledning is a term used in electric power engineering to describe the deliberate reallocation of electrical load within a power system to different network paths. The aim is to maintain service continuity, relieve overloaded components, or enable maintenance by reconfiguring how power flows through the network. It is implemented through switching actions and control systems that alter the distribution of load among feeders, transformers, or busbars.

Implementation can be manual, with system operators reconfiguring switchgear to divert load, or automatic, using protection and control schemes that trigger transfer across tie-lines or bus-tie breakers when contingencies are detected. In transmission and distribution networks, lastavledning may involve diverting load from a congested or failed feeder to alternate feeders, reconfiguring ring or meshed networks, or creating temporary islanded operation for a section of the grid. The goal is to preserve voltage stability, limit fault currents, and prevent cascading outages while keeping essential services supplied.

Relation to other concepts: lastavledning is not the same as load shedding, which reduces total demand by disconnecting customers. However, during severe contingencies, shedding may accompany diversion. Coordination with protection relays, interlocking schemes, and network topology is essential to avoid circulating currents or loss of synchronism. Planning involves contingency analysis and reliability assessment.

Usage: The concept is common in grids with redundant pathways, such as ring networks and substations with tie-lines, and in automated reconfiguration schemes. The term appears in Norwegian and Swedish technical literature; English equivalents include load transfer and load diversion.