Medium-Voltage DC Grid in Aachen

RWTH Aachen University and Flexible Electrical Networks (FEN) Research Campus are developing an underground demonstration grid

April 6, 2018

For the first time, RWTH Aachen University and FEN Research Campus are implementing a local medium-voltage (MV) grid which is exclusively based on direct current (DC). This underground demonstration grid will operate as a private grid within the infrastructure of RWTH Aachen University and will distribute electric energy between several large-scale test benches. In late March 2018, the beginning of the construction was initiated with a groundbreaking ceremony at RWTH Aachen Campus Melaten.

Upon completion, the MVDC research grid will also be used for the project FISMEP as part of the Field Test Germany. The research grid will be built with a voltage of 5 kV, an installed capacity of approximately 6.2 MW and a total length of about 2.3 kilometers. Upon its final expansion, five stations will be connected, working as consumers as well as feeders. Also, energy storage and renewable energies will be integrated. The grid is planned to go into test mode in late 2018.