Load shedding (power grid)

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Load shedding is the switching off of the network load for load control in the electricity network . Since this is generally an unplanned event, the shutdown is triggered by automatic devices such as network protection when certain preset measured values ​​are reached and carried out in automatic processes by opening circuit breakers in substations . For the parts of the network affected by the load shedding and the consumers connected to them, this measure leads to a power failure .

In special cases, for example in the context of resynchronization of individual, larger network segments, load shedding can also be triggered manually by the control centers.

Load shedding is the last possible measure to forestall the impending complete collapse of an interconnected network or part of it and is used to stabilize remaining network segments. The rules for load shedding are defined by the respective regional network operators. In Germany, these rules are set out in the network and system rules of the German transmission network operators of the Association of Network Operators (VDN).

The criteria and reasons for load shedding are:

While the load shedding in a power grid initially has a direct effect on the consumers in the form of regional power outages, the lack of consumers can also have repercussions on producers and a power plant-side load shedding .

Load shedding customers

Some bulk consumers, mainly cement mills or large cold stores , have contracts as load shedding customers . You get discounted electricity and have to switch off automatically at the request of the energy company and within defined times, typically in the range of seconds.

Load shedding in the intelligent power grid

In the electronically networked (intelligent) power grid , all end consumers can be provided with load shedding control. Load managers can switch off end devices in a targeted manner at short notice; low-consumption devices such as boilers, refrigerators and freezers are suitable if they are controllable.

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