Siemens Smart Infrastructure will be collaborating with Aral towards expanding the grid connection at 30 selected gas stations. The installation of intelligent substations allows Aral, the largest operator of fuel stations in Germany, to upgrade its gas stations with ultra-fast charging technology for electric vehicles. The installation is expected to be completed by the end of February.
The expansion of the public charging infrastructure is an essential requirement for the acceleration of electric mobility. The joint project between Aral and Siemens is an important contribution to creating public fast-charging stations.
Most gas stations currently only have a low-voltage connection. To meet the increased power demand of fast chargers, the grid connection needs to be upgraded to a medium-voltage connection with a much higher power. This is achieved through the substations which connect the gas stations’ charging infrastructure to the public power grid. Each substation consists of a hermetically capsulated transformer, gas-insulated medium-voltage switchgear, type 8DJH, and a Sivacon S8 low-voltage switchboard.
‘This intelligent substation not only allows Aral to introduce ultra-fast charging technology but also ensures the highest reliability and better grid utilization within the existing infrastructure,’ said Stephan May, CEO of Distribution Systems at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. ‘Real-time data monitoring enables the optimal usage of the assets. For this reason, digitalization is an important prerequisite for efficient load management and to optimize the use of power resources.’
Original source and picture credit: Siemens
