Safely (re)charged

At the Lower Austrian energy generator WEB Windenergie AG, the charging stations at the demonstration parking charging system were to be operated with direct current (DC). Added value: making it faster to charge electric cars. The aim was to make this as flexible as possible via a large number of delivery points, i.e. charging stations. However, as direct current poses greater safety risks than conventional charging via alternating current (AC), there was a requirement to implement the parking system and charging stations safely and efficiently for all concerned. WEB Windenergie found a competent partner in Pilz: the central control instance in the demo plant, the automation system PSS 4000, ensures the necessary safety.

The intention was for a total of five e-parking spaces to be charged with 10 kW each, and for DC protection to be installed behind each charging module. Safety was the leading issue in the implementation: a safe circuit, consideration of all safety components and modern control technology were core elements. A further requirement: the safety concept had to cover safety requirements on both the direct current and alternating current network. The comprehensive solution: the controller in use today, the PSSuniversal PLC controller from the automation system PSS 4000 – it meets the safety requirements and also monitors the power distributor, as well as connecting the switching matrix in such a way that the defined, selected charging modules for charging are also connected to the correct charging points. The controller also manages other safety devices, such as the emergency stop circuits. This allows W.E.B to implement the charging of electric cars with maximum safety.

• Charging modules can be connected in parallel
• The parking charging system does not fail entirely in the event of a malfunction
• Safety for both direct current and alternating current network

WEB Windenergie AG, W.E.B for short, is a globally active Austrian energy generation company based in Pfaffenschlag in Lower Austria. The company produces green electricity, primarily from wind and solar power. In 2024, W.E.B had a total of 284 wind turbines, 50 photovoltaic systems and two small hydropower plants in operation at 132 locations. These include Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Canada and the USA. Together they have a capacity of 735 megawatts.