Contact system meets cold weather, snow and ice
November 30, 2023
Finally, with a temperature of -6°C, it became a bit cooler, allowing us to test our integrated heating system in the shaft. We were able to demonstrate that the electronics can be kept pleasantly warm. In addition, the cover plate of the contact system remained ice-free throughout. We were glad to see that the system works as intended.
Project meeting in Dresden
November 28, 2023
On November 28, 2023, we had the opportunity to present our recent project results at Fraunhofer IVI, alongside our project partners, including the DLR funding agency and the accompanying research on electric mobility from TÜV Rheinland.
Megawatt charging capability approved
November 20, 2023
On the high-current test bench at Fraunhofer IVI, the contact system was subjected to currents of up to 2,000 A. At a system voltage of 1,000 VDC, this results in a charging power of two megawatts. If we consider the standardized 1,250 VDC, 2.5 megawatts can be transmitted. Only a simple air cooling system is required for this. Charging a battery with 250 kWh can be achieved in just under 10 minutes with the system presented here.
Commissioning of the contact system on the vehicle
September 27, 2023
After installing the ACD as the roadside part of the charging station, the implementation of the vehicle-side part of the contact system was next on the agenda. For this purpose, the vehicle control system had to be expanded and tested with the relevant control and monitoring functions.
ACD has been installed in shaft
September 14, 2023
At last, the time has come – together with the project partner Schunk, the ACD has been installed in the prepared shaft and electrically connected on the test site of Fraunhofer IVI. Unfortunately, the sophisticated technology won't be visible in the end due to its underground installation.
Ground works completed in Dresden
April 23, 2023
The underbody contact system was installed inside a standard plastic shaft produced by company Langmatz. The existing shaft from a previous project was exchanged for the slightly bigger one needed for the MEGA-LADEN project. The ACD-U (Automated Charging Device Underbody) will be connected to the charging station via empty conduit pipes.
Cover story ATZelektronik, issue 3-4/2023
April 6, 2023
As part of the cover story titled “Megawatt charging technology for battery-electric vehicles”, issue 3-4/2023 of expert magazine ATZelektronik, Sven Klausner, Martin Gollbach and Matthias Breitkopf highlighted current developments in power electronics and energy transfer from charging stations to vehicles in the megawatt range.
Successful testing according to EN 124 – D400
October 27, 2022
The roadway cover and the contact system cover flaps were tested on site at company Langmatz according to the specifications of EN 124 – D400. The test was passed with flying colors. This is proof that the system is suited for use in commercial vehicle operations. The trial was aborted at 60 t to protect the compactor.
Copyright: Langmatz GmbH
Project meeting in Dinslaken on SBRS premises
October 25, 2022
During a milestone meeting at SBRS in Dinslaken, the newest improvements to the power electronics and power distribution systems were presented to the project team.
Contact system presented at InnoTrans 2022
September 24-27, 2022
A contact system prototype was presented to the general public at the booth of company Schunk at InnoTrans 2022.
Copyright: Schunk GmbH
Project meeting in Wettenberg on Schunk premises
May 31, 2022
The upcoming action steps were discussed with representatives of the DLR-Projektträger funding agency. The meeting was held in Wettenberg on the premises of company Schunk.
Contact system prototype completed
April 7, 2022
The first prototype of the underbody charging system has been completed at Fraunhofer IVI. The prototype will now be shipped to a test stand located at company Schunk, where it will undergo cycle testing, electrical testing and long-term testing.
Milestone meeting in Dresden at Fraunhofer IVI
October 27, 2021
During a milestone meeting, the project partners met with the Elektro-Mobil accompanying research team at Fraunhofer IVI in Dresden.
Copyright: Martin Gollbach, SBRS
MEGA-LADEN project kick-off
January 20, 2021
The kick-off event for the MEGA-LADEN project took place in Berlin on site at company MC Management.