The operation of electric power networks above their initial dimensioning levels and longer than their estimated lifespan requires a detailed monitoring of the operating conditions to ensure a safe supply with electric power also in the future (Life Cycle Management). For this task the diagnostic tools which are necessary for different apparatus are developed or improved (e. g. partial discharge measurement, Frequency Response Analysis, moisture determination, dissolved gas analysis, vibration measurement, on-line monitoring). These tools can be used to predict the overload capacity and residual life time of a H.V. apparatus. On the other side service and maintenance strategies for H.V. equipment are developed (asset management).

Regarding the design of high voltage equipment new materials (e. g. natural and synthetic esters) are investigated concerning their physical, chemical and electric properties. By means of modern software tools, e. g. finite element analysis (FEM) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), the oil flow distribution and the thermal behaviour of power transformers can be investigated and optimized. The research area Gaseous Dielectrics is characterized by topics like investigation of dielectric properties of pure SF6 and SF6-gas mixtures, the influence of atmospheric conditions on the dielectric strength of technical insulation designs and the investigation of generation and damping of very fast transients in gas-insulated switchgear.