Dr. Thomas Smolka

The increasing amount of electrical energy being fed into the grid from dispersed generation plants is presenting the operators of public, electrical energy supply systems with new challenges. The higher power flows by the additional feed-in are significantly increasing the need for grid reinforcement, especially in rural distribution grids. This is often needed to ensure voltage stability. Voltage Regulating Distribution Transformers (VRDT) are a possible alternative to conventional grid reinforcement in poles and wires, which is often very costly. These transformers decouple the voltage levels of the low- and medium-voltage grids, enabling better capacity utilization of the voltage band. The seminar will present first results from planning, installation, and operation of the first pilot projects within Australia and New Zealand.

Biography:

Dr Thomas Smolka

Managing Director Reinhausen Australia

Senior executive and business leader with a diverse range of Australian, German and International experience across manufacturing, asset management service businesses supporting sectors including: network operators, utilities, power stations, rail, infrastructure mining and industry.