This paper presents results of earth fault field tests in a medium voltage network using new earth fault detection methods. An interpretation of voltage and current signals measured at the area of influence is provided. The pros and cons of different algorithms in different grid constellations are elaborated. The results show that new detection algorithms can provide stable directional decisions even in combination with unconventional transducers. This information is very important for the grid operator. With reliable information of the earth fault direction, especially in rural areas, the field engineers can be deployed more efficiently. Another focus of the tests was on the earthing system. At special grid components, such as dead end poles with cable link, the earth potential rise (EPR) was measured. With the signals measured throughout the tests, results of previously taken measurements to verify the earthing system could be confirmed.

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Events as the Italy blackout 2003 and the grid splitting 2006 cause to bring up grid restoration and black-start ability as an urgent topic for both grid and power plant operators. In this paper the requirements for participation in grid restoration and lessons learned from black-start and island tests in Carinthia 2017 are discussed. The evaluation of the tests shows, that the nozzle provision results in an increased frequency stability due to the fast control reaction.

This paper introduces an Integrated Grid Management System using a SCADA-approach including the high-, medium-and low-voltage level to further optimize the workflow for distribution grid operation. It deals with the new challenges and possibilities of a fully centralized grid operation system using digital data from various sources such as SAP, Workforce Management, Geographical Information Systems, Meter Data Management and customer applications. The already installed and in the future planned applications as well as the interfaces between these platforms will be presented and described.

Integrating distributed generation into power grids creates various technical challenges for network operation. Volatility of renewable energy resources may increase the probability of blackouts. In order to restore networks fast, securely and reliably after blackouts, within the research project RestoreGrid4RES’s network restoration strategies, the related issues caused by distributed generation are investigated and novel methods to face those challenges are developed. This paper focuses on (i) algorithms to identify possible restoration paths, (ii) key performance indicators for the assessment of grid restoration options and (iii) an evaluation of the results for network restoration strategies.