Electricity networks and applications

The latest publications in this offer are:

• May 10, 2026

  D4809

  Electricity Grids and Climate Change: Impacts and Adaptations. The Example of Public Networks in Metropolitan France

  In addition to a predictable sharp increase in power demand, public electricity distribution and transmission networks must cope with the consequences of climate change on the one hand, and the integration of renewable energies on the other. This article deals only with the first point. Thus faced with increasing sensitivity to climate hazards and the energy transition, French electricity distribution and transmission networks must evolve to remain reliable. Storms, heatwaves and floods can put infrastructure to the test, particularly overhead and underground networks. Operators who are network managers are adapting equipment, integrating innovative technologies (AI, sensors, digital twins) and strengthening their cooperation with local authorities.

• December 10, 2025

  D4966

  General Framework for Minigrid Development

  This article addresses the general framework for the development of minigrids. Notably in developing countries, minigrids are one of the three main solutions for providing electricity access to remote villages that are far from national power grids. The article outlines the key aspects of such projects, reviewing regulatory, technical, economic, as well as social and environmental challenges. It serves as an introduction to more focused presentations on the various components of minigrids.

• December 10, 2025

  D4766

  Voltage Source Converter Stations for Direct Current Power Transmission. Study, Modelling, and Typical Behaviour

  This set of three articles focuses on high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link converter stations using voltage source converters (VSC). It is structured into three successive parts: the first presents the general principles, the second addresses control and protection strategies, and the final one covers associated models and studies. This third article first presents an overview of studies and converter models used during the lifecycle of HVDC links and then discusses the operating limits of the HVDC systems based on physical limits of the equipment, followed by an analysis of dynamic and transient behaviour through representative scenarios.

• December 10, 2025

  D4765

  Voltage Source Converter Stations for Direct Current Power Transmission. Control System and Protection

  This set of three articles focuses on high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link converter stations using voltage source converters (VSC). It is structured into three successive parts: the first presents the general principles, the second addresses control and protection strategies, and the final one covers associated models and studies. This second article specifically deals with the control and protection systems of converter stations for HVDC links using voltage source converters. The basic control principles of this type of converter are described with theoretical justification. Then, the different control layers are presented. Finally, an overview of the protection strategies for these converters is provided in the last section.

• December 10, 2025

  D4764

  Voltage Source Converter Stations for Direct Current Power Transmission. Generality

  This series of three articles focuses on converter stations for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) links using voltage source converters (VSC). It is structured in three consecutive parts: the first presents general principles, the second covers control and protection strategies, and the third deals with related models and studies. This first article introduces the context for using VSCs, describes the two types of converter valves: VSC switch type valve and VSC controllable voltage source type valve, along with their operating principles, before detailing the components of modular multilevel converter (MMC) stations and their roles.

• September 10, 2025

  D4814

  Management and Valorization of Storage in Electrical Networks

  This article addresses the management and valorization of energy storage in electrical grids, highlighting its key role in integrating renewable energy sources. In the face of intermittency in solar and wind power, storage smooths production fluctuations, ensures network stability, and enhances electric system flexibility. It explores different storage technologies, such as batteries, pumped hydro storage, and compressed air, discussing their applications, benefits, and challenges. Case studies are presented before concluding with environmental issues, particularly the impact of material extraction and carbon footprint, while offering perspectives on sustainable solutions to support the energy transition.

• April 21, 2025

  D4964 Reviewed

  Smart Grids Solutions for a Better Integration of RES to Distribution Networks

  In France, more than 90% of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) are connected to the medium and low voltage distribution network, and their growth requires increased voltage management. Thanks to innovating smart grids solutions, RES integration into networks has been improved. This article gives a state of the art of RES connected to the distribution networks, with its regulatory context. It then describes the following voltage management solutions developed by Enedis, at different stages of maturity: local voltage regulation through MV and LV producers’ reactive power, MV coordinated voltage regulation at the primary substation, the smart non-firm connection offers to MV producers, and the simulation tool under development to evaluate connection impacts for LV producers.

• March 31, 2025

  D4030 Reviewed

  Energy's inertial confinement

  Although the storage of energy from fossil fuels is correctly mastered, this is not the case for electricity. However, this choice represents an interesting solution for the future notably in order to absorb important variations in the transportation, housing and industry sectors. The inertia wheel is a storage component which is able to store and return electric energy in the form of kinetic energy. This application presents many advantages i.e. little sensitiveness to variations in temperature as well as a significant autonomy and life-cycle. However its technology remains rather complex which is aggravated by explosion hazards during use.

• February 26, 2025

  D4762 Reviewed

  Design and Operation of Thyristor-Based Converter Stations

  This document describes the component and the theory of High Voltage Direct Current Line Commutated Convertors (HVDC-LCC) links. By using thyristors, these convertors can achieve a high power transfer at very high voltage but requires a minimum short-circuit level, absorb reactive power and generates harmonics. The first part of the article describes the main components of a HVDC LCC link and the second part is dedicated to the functionalities, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of HVDC-LCC technology.

• December 10, 2024

  D5572

  Recharging of Light Electric Vehicles

  In 2009, under the impulse of pioneering car makers, and with the support of the French government and then of Europe, the electrification of cars was relaunched to reduce the environmental impact of transport. Their mass adoption requires private and public recharging infrastructures adapted to the cars' uses and to the environmental objective. The main functions and technological solutions of these infrastructures are described, as well as the specific digital ecosystem through which the service providers involved can collaborate to satisfy users with the best economy of means.

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