Press: New enclosure technology for power charging stations

Germany and France are due to become Europe's leading markets for electrical mobility. That is the goal that both states have set themselves. But a comprehensive system with standardised power charging stations is needed so that consumers can perceive electrically powered vehicles as being a serious alternative to today's forms of propulsion. In other words, the electrotechnical structure and functions, and the charging stations (and the accompanying enclosure technology) will need to be standardised.

Here, Rittal can draw on its long experience in enclosure development. The company already presented its first concepts for this application last year. At this year's Hanover Fair, Rittal was exhibiting a modular power charging station. The twin-walled enclosure, with dimensions of 1300x300x250 mm (WxHxD), is constructed of stainless steel on the inside. Its exterior can be of either stainless steel or aluminium. It also has crash guards and (optional) pedestrian pathway lighting. In addition, there are integrated LEDs for the operating and status display and to illuminate the plug points. The new charging station has an IP 54 protection category.

The electrical charging system is designed either as single or three-phase for 16 to 63 A currents. Active power meters or earth leakage circuit breakers are integrated as monitoring and protective devices. The power feed via the mains is also either single or three-phase via standardised distributors (IP 65 protection class 2) and the appropriate safeguards. Optional accessories range from a touch screen display for operation via built-in readers for debit or prepaid card, and a GSM/GPRS modem for the remote monitoring and transferring of consumption data.

Due to the modular design of the new charging stations, a number of different assembly solutions are possible. Alongside the floor-standing enclosure for outdoor use, the aim is to provide a future wall-mounted indoor version for use in multi-storey car parks or private companies, for instance.

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Rittal GmbH & Co. KG

Rittal GmbH & Co. KG, which has its headquarters in Herborn, Germany, is one of the world's leading system suppliers for housing and enclosure technologies, power distribution systems, system climate control and IT infrastructure. Customers from all sectors of industry, from mechanical and plant engineering, as well as from the IT and telecoms market, are making use of system solutions from Rittal.

Its broad product range also includes complete solutions for modular and energy-efficient data centres: from innovative security concepts for data systems (formerly known as Litcos) through to physical data and system security for IT infrastructures (formerly known as Lampertz). The leading software providers Eplan and Mind8 - Rittal subsidiaries - are supplementing the Rittal product portfolio with interdisciplinary engineering solutions.

Founded in 1961, Rittal is now active worldwide with 12 production sites, 63 subsidiaries and 40 agencies. With 9,000 employees worldwide, Rittal is the largest company of the proprietor-run Friedhelm Loh Group of Haiger, Germany. The entire group employs more than 10,500 people and generated revenues of more than € 2.2 billion in 2008. Further information at www.rittal.com and www.friedhelm-loh-group.com.