Research
The entire energy system is currently at the beginning of a complete and fundamental transformation: away from fossil fuels (and in some countries also from nuclear fuels) towards new renewable energy sources. This transformation is driven by the desire to make clean energy available and affordable for everyone and is considered one of the most important challenge humanity currently faces. The role of electric energy will be central in the future energy system. Electric energy is not only the most superior form of energy to transport over long distances with low losses, it is also often directly produced (wind, PV). Moreover, it is the form of energy that is most flexible for use and easily controllable. Increases in efficiency are often achieved by changing to electric energy (e.g. oil or gas fired heating to heat pumps or petrol driven cars to electric vehicles). The overall growth in automation, digitalization and transportation adds to the increasing demand in electric energy.
The research and teaching focus of the High Voltage Laboratory is in the area of “technologies for future electric power transmission systems”. Focus areas are: 1. High Voltage Gaseous Insulation Systems, 2. Future Overhead Power Transmission Lines, 3. High Voltage Solid Insulation, and 4. Current Interruption. Our project topics are the search for insulation gasmixtures alternatives to SF6, HVDC and mixed-frequency solid insulation systems, hybrid AC-DC overhead power lines, processes of corona inception and mitigation, and experimental studies to characterize and optimize switching arcs for HVDC circuit breakers and SF6-free breakers.
By systematically introducing the latest experimental and numerical methods, we advance the research in the classical area of high voltage engineering; an area where some of the research questions have a long history of investigation but are still not answered completely satisfying. The driver for our research is to use conceptually different research approaches in the projects. This differentiates us from others working in similar areas of research and enables us not only to solve the investigated problems but also to gain a basic physical understanding of the involved processes. The research is done mainly experimentally, backed by multiphysics simulations that partially contain newly developed models.
High Voltage Gaseous Insulation
The research in this area aims to identify and quantify eco-friendly insulation gas (mixtures) that could replace the greenhouse gas SF6 in electric switchgear.
More information about High Voltage Gaseous Insulation
Future Overhead Power Transmission Lines
The public acceptance for new large infrastructure projects is very limited. Research on novel transmission technologies that receive higher acceptance is part of our work.
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High Voltage Solid Insulation
With the use of power electronic devices, the insulation system is no longer stressed only with power frequency voltages, but also DC and mixed-frequency voltage stress. Research is needed to achieve the same reliable and long-term performance also under these new conditions.
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Current Interruption
Improved and environmentally friendly switchgear needs to be developed for HVAC and HVDC systems. We are contributing with experimental investigations of switching arcs and transient simulation of prospective currents.
More information about Current Interruption
Collaboration Opportunity
We are also offering our experimental infrastructure as hub for international research collaborations also beyond our current research projects. Feel free to contact us with ideas for joint projects making use of our expertise and experimental facilities.