Short circuit at substations in Flevoland causes power outage
Netherlands, Flevoland: Two incidents at electricity substations in the Dutch province of Flevoland have caused widespread power outages.
Image source: NOS
Netherlands, Flevoland: Two incidents at electricity substations in the Dutch province of Flevoland have caused widespread power outages.
The consequences of this major power failure are unique and such a thing should hardly be possible due to all security systems, says Han Slootweg, professor of electrical engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology.
Everything in high-voltage substations through which current passes is well insulated. Power lines and other electrical components are insulated with plastic and porcelain. However, it can happen that a part that is under voltage comes into contact with the earth. Then a short circuit occurs.
In the event of a short circuit, the current can be up to five to ten times the normal value, Slootweg explains, and the heat in the cables can then go from less than 100 degrees to a multiple of that. “And then they start smoking. That’s what we saw in Flevoland today.”
There is speculation at the power site about a problem on the same high-voltage line last year when a fall wind blew down four electricity pylons. Something could have happened with the settings when connecting a temporary emergency line, but it is questionable whether that really has anything to do with it.
Slootweg emphasizes that it is still too early to say anything about it. “The investigation will show how this could have gone so wrong.”
Grid operator Tennet eventually managed to switch off the power, but not before power lines started to hang down and several fires started.
The damage is so great that it will take a lot of time and money to repair, the professor expects. The infrastructure of the railways was also hit, and according to ProRail the damage is considerable.
Source: NOS
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