Energy Distribution

In addition to large-scale PV power plants, there are other promising applications for energy distribution in the medium-voltage range: high-performance charging infrastructures for sustainable mobility, DC microgrids in industrial production in the process industry, and also aspects of system stability.

Charging Infrastructure for Electric Buses, Trucks and (Heavy) Commercial Vehicles

In the field of mobility, the electrification of commercial vehicles such as trucks, ships and airplanes is developing rapidly. Due to their large battery capacities, these vehicles require high charging power for fast charging. By increasing the system voltage with the corresponding decrease in current, simplifications could be achieved that enable lighter cables and plug contacts to be used. This would not only make them easier to use, but also significantly reduce electric heat losses.

By 2030, charging infrastructure for cars and trucks must be available every 60 km along the trans-European core transport network. To meet this high energy demand, charging stations could be equipped with an installed power of up to 32 MVA, which corresponds to the energy demand of a small town. A combination of on-site renewable energy generation and storage would be an ideal solution to relieve the strain on the grids. Also, PV roof systems over parking lots are a great way to produce energy locally. With the introduction of medium voltage and a MV-DC bus system, energy efficiency could be improved and material usage reduced. Such concepts are considered forward-looking solutions for charging infrastructures.

Process Industry

In industrial manufacturing, energy costs are a major factor. DC microgrids play a key role in the future of manufacturing, as they can directly draw power from renewable sources and storage systems. This eliminates the losses that occur during the conversion of AC to DC. In industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, metal manufacturing, and food processing, the use of DC microgrids increases energy efficiency and contributes to carbon neutrality. These systems minimize energy losses and boost operational efficiency by requiring fewer energy conversion stages and enabling a direct supply from renewable sources.

Molten salt thermal storage systems with medium- to long-term storage durations can contribute to the decarbonization of industry in the area of process heat (temperatures ranging from 120 to 450 °C). The use of medium-voltage-powered molten salt heaters significantly reduces the total cost of the heater, including installation and materials. The storage system can be charged during periods of high renewable energy generation, which ensures lower energy costs and, at the same time, a high level of supply security for industry. Depending on the target process and the characteristics of the local electricity market, the energy can be stored for anywhere from a few hours to a week.

System Stability and Efficiency

DC microgrids enable a resilient energy supply that is less dependent on the traditional AC grid. This is particularly advantageous for neighborhoods, charging infrastructures or industrial operations. The decentralized generation and storage of energy in these grids not only minimizes energy losses, but also offers specific advantages for industrial processes, such as higher availability and redundancy. With grid expansion and higher outputs, the potential and cost benefits also increase, meaning that DC systems could play an increasingly important role in the future energy infrastructure. The implementation of DC-based systems such as the MV-DC bus system could represent an efficient solution for energy distribution in the future, offering both economic and ecological benefits.

Efficiency Potential of New Power Supply Architectures for Data Centers

The rapidly growing power demand of modern data centers, particularly in the context of AI applications, requires fundamentally new concepts for electrical infrastructure. New facilities are being planned with connected loads reaching into the gigawatt range. Hundreds of billions are currently being invested worldwide in the construction of data centers; a large portion of this is allocated to the power supply. At the same time, requirements for energy efficiency, power density, space utilization, material usage, reliability, and grid compatibility are increasing. In parallel, technological breakthroughs are emerging: Higher DC voltage levels, solid-state transformers (SST), new semiconductor technologies, battery storage integration, waste heat utilization concepts, and grid-friendly operating options are becoming critical to competitiveness. The focus is on power supply concepts featuring solid-state transformers (SST) from 36 kV to 800 V, raising internal DC voltage levels from 48 V to 800 V, integrating battery storage at various system levels, options for utilizing waste heat in the power supply, and grid-friendly operation, e.g., through power ramp limitations.