ATESTEO expands secondary unit substation at its Alsdorf site

2021-06-09

  • New 20 kV secondary unit substation

  • Two additional 2 MW transformers

  • Reinforcement for capacities for testing e-mobility and hybrid drive systems

Electromobility is emerging, bringing the adjustment of associated testing tasks. ATESTEO has responded at its Alsdorf site by investing in expanding its secondary unit substation. This measure is an important building block for ATESTEO in order to offer customers even greater safety and flexibility in conducting tests on all types of drive systems.

The 20 kV electrical unit substation, which was completed last year and has since proven itself many times over, was designed with the support of the regional power distribution network operator and the ATESTEO electrical workshop and implemented within 18 months. For this purpose, a new ring line to the already existing medium voltage stations and two additional 2 MW transformers now reinforce the supply of energy to the over 70 test benches at the Alsdorf site.

The test benches are currently equipped to thoroughly test not only internal combustion engines, but also electric and hybrid drive systems of automobiles and rail vehicles. Testing scenarios in the field of e-mobility require, among other things, compliance with special standards and safety regulations for operating electric testing systems, adapted measurement methods and testing processes, and provision of the required charging infrastructure.

The work to lay cables and connections to the medium voltage grid was undertaken by the ATESTEO electrical workshop; the new stations were delivered by the regional power distribution network operator. The final switchover to the new and expanded supply grid went smoothly without any disruptions. In line with the expansion of its technical systems, ATESTEO continuously invests in the specialist knowledge and skills of its employees; in this case, particularly in qualifications in dealing with high-voltage electrical engineering and electrical engineering measurement data acquisition.

Through this set of measures, ATESTEO is positioned for the future with regard to the connection power to the grid, the power lines, transformers, the power supply, and safety. On the parts of the site which are still vacant, owing to the continuing increase in demand, provision has been made for the further construction of test benches and projects such as, for instance, possible fast charging systems with up to 500 amperes for electric vehicles.