Our Authors
Dr.-Ing. Philipp Erlinghagen
Mitgründer und CEO
As a co-founder and VP of Product at envelio, Dr. Philipp Erlinghagen writes about how scientifically sound models are transformed into practical software products for distribution system operators.

"You can't automate a distribution grid if you don't understand it. The foundation for smart grid software is an accurate model of reality—and the courage to build products based on that model that can withstand the demands of daily grid operations."
His articles combine a deep understanding of grid planning and operations with the perspective of a product manager who works every day to make complexity manageable for grid operators.
In addition, from February 2024 to March 2025, he served as a technical expert at VDE—a member and vice chair of the VDE FNN project group “Grid Condition Assessment.”
Academic Degree
Simon's Career
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RWTH Aachen University (2007–2010)
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RWTH Aachen University (2010–2012) – Grade: excellent/with honors (top graduate of the class)
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RWTH Aachen University (2010–2013) – Grade: very good
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RWTH Aachen University (2014–2019) – Grade: summa cum laude
Thesis Title: “Electromechanical Modeling of Active Distribution Networks for the Analysis of Transient System Stability”—a thesis that establishes methodological foundations for analyzing the transient stability of transmission grids with interconnected, active distribution networks featuring a high proportion of decentralized generation.
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at Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen in the Sydney area (2013) – Analysis of Australian distribution grids, power quality, and distributed generation (solar, wind)
Academic Focus
- Transient System Stability in Active Distribution Networks with a High Proportion of Distributed Generation: Protection Concepts and Fault Current Modeling in Low- and Medium-Voltage Networks
- Protection Concepts and Fault Current Modeling in Low- and Medium-Voltage Networks
- Electromechanical Modeling and Reduced-Order Models for Distribution Networks
- Automation of Distribution System Operator (DSO) Processes: Integrated Grid Planning and Operations
- Backup Power Supply Concepts for Low-Voltage Microgrids
- Product Development for Grid Software: From Research Method to Production Solution
- Grid Status Determination and State Estimation (VDE FNN Expert Group)
Methodological Approach
Simon's Approach
Distribution grids are complex, dynamic systems—and their digital transformation can only succeed if the underlying models accurately reflect this complexity.
Philipp’s goal: to use scientific precision as the foundation for products that not only work in the day-to-day operations of grid operators but also earn their trust. By graduating summa cum laude and as the top student in his class, he demonstrated this commitment early on.

Role at envelio
As VP of Product at envelio, Philipp Erlinghagen, together with his team, is responsible for product management and design:
- the product vision and roadmap for the Intelligent Grid Platform
- translating grid operators’ customer requirements into product decisions
- the integration of technical depth and user-friendliness in platform development
- building and further developing the product team
Practical Implications
His expertise is particularly relevant to decision-makers at distribution system operators in three areas:
- Head of Grid Planning / Grid Operations: a product manager who understands the technical requirements for grid software based on the company’s own research into stability and protection in distribution grids
- Head of Digitalization: a founder who has overseen the entire journey from a dissertation at RWTH Aachen University to a production-ready platform for more than 85 network operators
- Asset Manager: an expert who can assess the interrelationships between grid models, automation, and operational safety based on research and product experience
Publications & Technical Background
14
Years of Research and Practical Experience in Distribution Grid Digitalization
12
Scientific Publications
37
Scientific Citations According to ResearchGate
Philipp Erlinghagen is the author and co-author of 12 scientific publications with over 36 citations, published in journals such as *Electrical Engineering*, the *CIRED Open Access Proceedings Journal*, and *CIGRE Science & Engineering*. His work focuses on system stability in active distribution grids, fault current modeling, protection concepts for low-voltage grids, and the automation of DSO processes.
Complete list of publications: ResearchGate – Philipp Erlinghagen
Awards (Excerpt)
- RWTH Aachen Borchers Medal (2020) for a doctoral dissertation completed summa cum laude—one of RWTH’s most prestigious awards
- HTG Prize for the best master’s thesis (2013)—awarded by the High-Voltage Engineering Society at RWTH

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