Grid Calculation – Ensuring Your System Is Properly Sized
Professional, fast, and flexible for over 25 years
Your Benefits with SMART ENGINEERS
Standard-Compliant Network Sizing: All relevant network parameters—rated currents, voltage distribution, loop impedance, and resistances—are determined, and the appropriate protective devices are sized based on these values. Basis: DIN VDE 0100.
One-Stop Protection Coordination: Network analysis forms the foundation for short-circuit and selectivity calculations. At SMART ENGINEERS, all three services are seamlessly integrated—from analyzing the network structure to implementing protection coordination.
Identifying Bottlenecks: A systematic analysis of your power grid identifies bottlenecks, overloads, and vulnerabilities in the power supply—before they become operational problems.
Traceable Documentation: All calculation results are presented clearly—serving as a reliable basis for inspections, audits, and your internal documentation.
Proven in Practice: The team has many years of expertise in network calculation and network planning for the manufacturing industry, mechanical engineering, custom machine building, the automotive industry, plant engineering, control panel manufacturing, power plants, energy utilities, the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, aviation, maritime transport, public transportation, water management, warehouse logistics, airports, the construction industry, and skilled trades.
A power system analysis forms the basis for the safe design and code-compliant operation of electrical systems. It analyzes the structure of a power system and determines whether protective devices are correctly sized, whether the permissible voltage drop limits are met, and whether the system will shut down reliably even in the event of a fault. Without a thorough network calculation, the foundation for any protection coordination and network sizing is missing—which increases the risk of equipment damage, downtime, and hazards. Network calculations helped one company eliminate hazards to both the facility and its employees. As a result, damage in the high five-figure range was averted when a fault later occurred.
SMART ENGINEERS calculates the relevant network parameters of your high-, medium-, and low-voltage systems and selects the appropriate protective devices. The results are documented in accordance with DIN VDE 0100: they are transparent, field-tested, and prepared as reliable evidence for inspections and audits. We offer separate, specialized services for in-depth calculations of short-circuit currents and selectivity.
What does a network calculation involve?
A comprehensive power system analysis for high-, medium-, and low-voltage systems in electrical engineering typically involves determining and analyzing several parameters. The goal is to verify the safety and stability of the entire power supply system and to ensure that the system is designed to withstand the expected loads.
Calculation: Determination of current distribution in the grid under normal operating conditions. The load flow analysis shows how current and voltage are distributed across the individual components of the power grid—from the feed-in point through transformers and busbars to the loads.
Voltage Drop Calculation: Verification that the permissible voltage drop is maintained at every piece of equipment and every line. Voltage drops exceeding the limit values impair the function and service life of connected devices.
Loop Impedance Calculation
Verification that the protective device trips quickly enough in the event of a fault. Loop impedance is one of the key parameters for evaluating trip conditions.
Sizing of Protective Devices
Sizing of circuit breakers, power circuit breakers, and RCDs based on the calculated network parameters. The result is a coordinated protection concept for the entire system.
Analysis of Grid Interference
Assessment of harmonic loads and grid interference that can impair equipment or cause protective devices to trip prematurely—for example, when integrating power electronic components or renewable energy sources.
For further analysis of short-circuit currents and the selective coordination of protective devices, we offer dedicated pages: Short-Circuit Calculation and Selectivity Calculation.
Methods and Procedures
Power system analysis in electrical engineering is based on modeling the power grid with its impedances, resistances, and loads. In this process, all relevant components—cables, wires, transformers, busbars, and protective devices—are represented in a grid model. Based on this, load flow and short-circuit calculations are performed to determine current and voltage conditions under various operating conditions. For complex grid structures, we use computer-aided calculation methods that also include the analysis of expansion reserves and the evaluation of grid stability.
Get started nowWhen is a network calculation required?
When designing new systems: to ensure that protective devices, cables, and conductor cross-sections are correctly sized from the outset and that the power distribution system is planned on a solid foundation.
When expanding facilities: when new loads, feed-ins, or energy sources are added and the existing grid sizing must be reviewed.
In the event of operational anomalies: if protective devices trip unexpectedly, voltage fluctuations occur, or grid disturbances are suspected. In such cases, grid analysis helps to systematically identify bottlenecks and weak points.
Before inspections and audits when standards-compliant calculation documentation is required for experts, grid operators, or regulatory agencies.
When integrating renewable energy sources when photovoltaic systems, battery storage, or other decentralized feed-in sources are integrated into the existing energy infrastructure and the effects on grid stability and voltage distribution must be assessed.
Contact us and take advantage of our expert solutions.What you can expect from us as a customer
Tailored precision in every power system study
Receive detailed and customized power system studies tailored to your specific requirements, whether for industrial production plants, complex machinery, or specialized trade projects. Our experts use advanced CAE technologies to ensure that every power system study offers maximum accuracy and functionality.
Industry-specific solutions through extensive expertise
Benefit from deep experience across various industries, from the automotive sector to mechanical engineering and power plants. You receive solutions specifically tailored to the technical and operational requirements of your industry to increase your efficiency and competitiveness.
Forward-looking technologies for maximum efficiency
We rely on the latest software solutions and simulation tools to guarantee the performance and reliability of our power system studies. These technological resources enable precise modeling and analysis that are essential for making your systems efficient and safe.
Comprehensive documentation and compliance assurance
Every power system study comes with detailed documentation that simplifies implementation and maintenance while ensuring compliance with current international standards. This protects you against legal risks and facilitates compliance in safety-critical applications.
Sustainability and energy efficiency in planning
Count on power system studies that are not only economical but also ecologically sustainable. Eco-friendly planning approaches help to reduce energy consumption and minimize the environmental impact of your projects.What do you get with the power system study?
Efficiency increase
Your precise power system studies enable fast and smooth implementation of your projects, which significantly contributes to shortening your production cycles.
Cost reduction
Faulty planning can be expensive – we help you minimize these risks. Our carefully prepared power system studies reduce the likelihood of errors and associated additional costs.
Compliance with standards
All our power system studies comply with current industry standards regarding safety and regulatory requirements. This gives you extra peace of mind during audits and in daily operations.
Customizability
Technological developments and changing requirements can be challenging. Our power system studies are designed to be flexible, easily accommodating such adjustments and remaining up to date at all times.Get in touch now and
save time and money!
You help yourself save time and money by requesting electrical engineering services. You receive a service tailored to your needs, allowing you to focus on your core business.
Save time and money with our electrical engineering services!
Get started nowWhat our clients say
Electrical Engineer
Hans-Joachim Wagnes
"I have been working in the power grid sector for many years and have come across many different calculation methods over time. SMART ENGINEERS is a reliable partner that has quickly and professionally helped me with grid calculations on several occasions. The staff are competent and always helpful – I can only recommend Smart Engineers!"
Grid calculations at the highest technical level — for engineers who value reliability.
Head of Engineering
Wilhelm Mursch
"I have been working in the automotive industry for many years and have created numerous circuit diagrams. At SMART ENGINEERS, I was able to deepen my knowledge, and working on the diagrams was always fast and professional. I can only recommend the company as a reliable partner."
Circuit diagrams for the automotive industry — fast, verified, reliable.
Managing Director
Johannes Meier
“I hired SMART ENGINEERS to create circuit diagrams for me. The collaboration was very pleasant and professional. The diagrams were produced quickly and reliably. I can highly recommend SMART ENGINEERS!”
For managing directors who expect clear results and seamless collaboration.
Responsible Qualified Electrician
Marcus Dryr
“SMART ENGINEERS is a reliable partner when it comes to risk assessments and arc flash calculations. The staff are competent and explain everything clearly, making you feel well looked after as a customer.”
Electrical safety and risk assessment — explained clearly, implemented professionally.
Why SMART ENGINEERS?
As your trusted partner in mechanical and plant engineering as well as the electrical and energy industry, we provide comprehensive services in the planning, project design, and documentation of electrical equipment and control systems. Experienced designers deliver cross-industry, customized solutions that contribute decisively to your success.We cover all necessary steps of project execution, from initial task clarification, site surveys, basic and detail engineering, through to comprehensive documentation creation. In addition, we supervise workshop manufacturing and assembly, and provide support during commissioning as well as final documentation and any necessary post-commissioning adjustments.
Count on precise and efficient solutions for your electrical systems and controls that are specifically tailored to your needs.
Book an appointment nowYour experts for network calculations
- 20 years in the operation of plants, machinery, and equipment in German-speaking regions and internationally
- 10 years in the automotive industry
- 6 years in the semiconductor industry
- 2 years in the power plant sector
- 11 years in energy technology
- 6 years in aerospace engineering
- 6 years in the automotive industry
The process at SMART ENGINEERS
free initial consultation
Schedule a free initial consultation. To ensure excellent results for every client, we intentionally take on only a limited number of projects at a time.
Phone call
with experts
One of our team experts will contact you by phone. On the booking date you selected, we will work together to find out how exactly we can help you, what your starting situation is, and which goals are important to you.
Starting a
partnership
You initiate the partnership and can connect directly with the expert.
Get started nowFrequently Asked Questions About Network Calculations
What is a network calculation?
A power system analysis determines the electrical parameters of a power grid—currents, voltages, impedances, and resistances—and verifies whether protective devices and lines are correctly sized. It forms the basis for safe, code-compliant system operation and plays a central role in power system planning.
What standards apply to network calculations?
The primary standard is DIN VDE 0100 (Installation of High-, Medium-, and Low-Voltage Systems). Depending on the specific application, additional standards may apply, such as DIN EN 60909 for calculating short-circuit currents or DIN EN 61439 for switchgear assemblies. In the context of power supply, additional requirements set by the grid operator may apply.
What is the difference between a network calculation, a short-circuit calculation, and a selectivity calculation?
The network calculation provides the foundation: network parameters, voltage drop, and loop impedance. Based on this, the short-circuit calculation determines the short-circuit currents for assessing system safety. The selectivity calculation ensures that, in the event of a fault, only the affected part of the system is de-energized. All three calculations build on one another and are part of a comprehensive protection coordination scheme.
What protective devices are taken into account in the network calculation?
Typical protective devices include circuit breakers, power circuit breakers, RCDs (residual current devices), and fuses. The power system design ensures that these components are sized so that they trip reliably and within the specified trip times in the event of a fault.
What is loop impedance?
Loop impedance is the total resistance of the fault loop between the voltage source and the fault location. It determines how much current flows in the event of a fault—and thus whether the upstream protective device trips quickly enough. Determining the loop impedance is a key component of every power system calculation in accordance with DIN VDE 0100.
For which industries do you perform network calculations?
For all industries with high-, medium-, and low-voltage systems and complex energy supply needs: manufacturing, mechanical engineering, specialized machinery manufacturing, the automotive industry, plant engineering, control panel manufacturing, power plants, energy utilities, the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, aviation, maritime, public transportation, water management, warehouse logistics, airports, the construction industry, and skilled trades.
