Why this book?

In the networks for electricity distribution at medium and low voltage levels, driven by developments on both technical and societal fronts, many changes are going to take place. This is receiving a lot of international attention in books, publications, and at conferences such as the biennial CIRED. Similarly, many changes will occur in the Dutch networks. Specialists in the field of electricity supply are preparing for this.

The Dutch situation differs in several respects from the situation abroad. In our densely populated country, the concentration of loads and production units is quite high, and the distribution network is almost entirely implemented with underground cables. Additionally, the combination of gas and electricity for the energy needs of the connected users is quite unique. The ample availability of gas has enabled the rise of combined heat and power (CHP) for both large and small consumers.

In the Dutch language, there is little recent reference material available that specifically addresses the electricity supply in the Dutch context. A good description of the Dutch public electricity distribution networks dates back to the previous century (EnergieNed, 1996). This book aims to change that. It provides a current overview of the structure and composition of public electricity networks in the Netherlands. In its compilation, as much recent reference material as possible has been used. The book is written as a reference work for specialists in electricity supply and for students at higher vocational and university levels. It was written for Phase to Phase by Peter van Oirsouw, supported by reviewer Frans Provoost.  

Structure of the book

This book consists of three parts. The first part provides a description of distribution networks concerning their structure, load, generation, components, safety, and protection. The second part focuses on network calculations. This includes the models, as well as the calculation of the network’s state in normal operation, short-circuit currents, power quality, and reliability. The third part addresses the design and operation of distribution networks.

Part 1: Network structure

• Chapter 2 addresses the networks and their structures. It first discusses the differences between transmission and distribution. The chapter also covers the stations. The structures of most medium- and low-voltage networks used in the Netherlands are explained. The chapter concludes with a description of the connections for the various connection categories.
• Chapter 3 goes into detail about the loads and the generation of electrical power. Attention is given to the long-term, medium-term, and short-term behavior of the load. Specifically, the stochastic behavior of the load in the short term is explained. Additionally, new developments in the areas of consumption and decentralized generation are discussed.
• The most commonly used components in the medium-voltage (MV) and low-voltage (LV) networks are described in chapter 4. These include cables, joints, transformers, inductors, circuit breakers, switchgear, and fuses.
• Chapter 5 describes the grounding concepts and safety in the distribution networks. Client installations are connected to these networks, which makes the aspect of safety particularly important. In addition to the protection concepts, attention is given to step and touch potential during short circuits in the low- or medium-voltage network.
• Chapter 6 discusses the setup of the protection and the applied protection components. The chapter addresses the protection of a connection, a transformer, and the network itself. It also briefly touches on some complications that can arise, for example, due to the presence of decentralized production units.

Part 2: Power System Analysis

• This part begins in chapter 7 with a brief explanation of some important basic concepts needed for calculating electrical networks. The foundation is laid with the description of the alternating current system and the application of complex calculation methods. Next, the crucial symmetrical component method for performing short-circuit calculations is explained.
• Chapter 8 provides a description of most models of components that make up an electrical grid and devices that can be connected to an electrical grid. The models are used for performing power flow and short-circuit calculations.
• Chapter 9 describes the power flow calculation, which is always performed first on the model of a network. The power flow calculation provides information about the distribution of currents in all cables and other connections of the network.
  Additionally, this calculation determines all the voltages at the nodes. The calculation is based on the power consumed by the loads and supplied by the production units. Furthermore, the switching states in the network and the settings of components, such as adjustable transformers, are also important.
• The calculation of currents in the event of a short circuit somewhere in the network is explained in chapter 10 For various types of short circuits, it is extensively described how, based on the internationally recognized standard IEC 60909, the current at the short circuit location and the contribution to the short circuit current from other parts of the network can be calculated. The method of sequential fault analysis is also explained, which provides more information about currents and voltages during a short circuit.
• Chapter 11 covers the various aspects that fall under the concept of Power Quality. It addresses voltage during slow voltage variations, dips, flicker, asymmetry, and harmonics.
• Chapter 12 provides an introduction to the reliability of supply. It is based on the processes of failure, recovery, and repair.

Used network files

In all chapters, the calculation programs Gaia LV Network Design (version 6.2) and Vision Network Analysis (version 7.2) from Phase to Phase were used for visualizing network diagrams and performing calculations.

The network models used in the book are available on the Phase to Phase website, allowing the reader to view and recalculate the cases using the associated programs. The programs can be installed on any PC. Without a license, they operate in demonstration mode, enabling the user to open, view, edit, and recalculate the cases. The functions of the calculation programs are limited in demonstration mode.

The network models can be downloaded here.

Acknowledgment

The original Dutch book, Netten voor distributie van elektriciteit, was the product of broad collaboration in the Dutch electricity sector, reflecting decades of shared expertise and practical knowledge. The need for an English-language translation arose from Dutch technical education, where the book is widely used in both teaching and research. In response to this demand, a translation was developed with the help of artificial intelligence. Naturally, the result was not entirely error-free, and the content required careful review. We are grateful to the dedicated experts who kindly contributed by reviewing the translated text:

Jan Bozelie – Qirion
Nuran Cihangir Martin – Stedin
Eddy de Dobbelaar – FMJ
Aart Hoogerwerf – Hanze University of Applied Sciences
Sjoerd Nauta – Alliander
Pedro Vergara Barrios – Delft University of Technology
Dennis Waal – Uniper
Paul Warnaar – Tata Steel Europe

Despite our combined efforts, some inaccuracies may remain. If you come across any, please let us know.