Underground Cables
Underground AC cables are increasingly considered an attractive alternative to overhead transmission lines. They have a lower visual impact and generate a more confined electromagnetic field. At the same time, underground transmission introduces specific technical limitations and additional operational risks for system operators. While the complexity of underground transmission is widely recognised, its exact limitations are not yet fully understood.
Increasing Cable Hosting Capacity
At EnergyVille, we investigate how to increase the Cable Hosting Capacity (CHC) of transmission networks with underground cables. Our research focuses on developing optimisation-based methods that improve the operation and utilisation of these networks.
Improving Reactive Power, Harmonics and Resonances
A key objective is to improve the management of:
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Reactive power
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Power system harmonics
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Resonance phenomena
By addressing these challenges, we aim to enhance the performance, stability and reliability of transmission grids with a high share of underground cables.
New Operational Concepts
We also explore new operational strategies for cable-intensive power systems.
Examples include:
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Dynamic reactive power management
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Topological actions that account for resonance risks
These concepts help system operators manage increasingly complex transmission networks more effectively.
Towards New Planning Guidelines
The insights gained from these operational strategies form the basis for new planning guidelines for Extra High Voltage (EHV) underground cables.
