Bringing critical convenience to a complicated infrastructure project
Electric transportation infrastructure is on the rise in South Korea. One example is the city of Seoul, which plans to replace 3,000 buses that currently run on natural gas with electric buses by 2025. Driven by the electrification of everything, this transition will help the city’s public infrastructure become more sustainable and environmentally conscious.
New technologies call for new systems that connect and protect: the adoption of electric vehicles requires the development of safe and reliable electric vehicle charging solutions. That is where Moderntec comes in. Moderntec makes charging stations for electric vehicles, including fast-charging stations for buses. These charging stations help ensure that buses remain powered up and on the road, providing essential transportation to workers and families across the city.
No Time To Waste
Because they are in such high demand, buses need to be charged quickly. That requires a lot of power. Transporting high amounts of electric current safely and reliably can be expensive and the systems inside electric bus chargers can take a while to build. Like many companies, Moderntec is always looking for ways to improve performance and efficiency while keeping costs under control. Electric bus chargers must hold up to heavy use and perform well at all times.
Moderntec’s E-Bus DC Fast Charger can charge two electric buses simultaneously, doubling the power needed to run the charging station. Electric vehicle chargers need direct current (DC)—meaning current always flows in the same direction—to function. However, contemporary power grids use alternating current (AC)—meaning currents periodically switch directions. For Moderntec’s E-Bus chargers to work, they need to contain a component that converts AC to DC power.
Moderntec’s E-Bus chargers look very similar to gas pumps. They are small, streamlined and easy to use. However, behind the scenes, each pump connects to large power units that do the necessary work of AC/DC conversion. While they are out of sight, those power banks keep the entire system running.
Behind the Scenes
Moderntec’s power banks contain a system of conductors that transport electric currents for conversion. Previously, Moderntec had used a cable and lug system for these conductors. In these systems, customers buy cables in rolls, cut those cables to the size they need and attach them to equipment using metal loops called lugs. These systems can be difficult and time-consuming to install because of the amount of cutting and connecting workers need to do.
DAS Korea, an nVent distributor, heard about the bus charging project and thought that nVent products could support Moderntec’s needs and offer a more convenient alternative to the cable and lug system. DAS Korea worked with Moderntec to implement nVent ERIFLEX IBSB conductors within its electric charging station power units. Behind the scenes, nVent representatives shared the company’s experience with IBSB conductors and with the electric vehicle (EV) market to answer all of Moderntec’s questions.
nVent ERIFLEX IBSB Advanced is a wire replacement solution used for safe and efficient transportation of electric currents. It is easier to install and provides more design options than cable and lug systems because it is more flexible than traditional cable and customers can order it sized to the exact specifications they need. This meant Moderntec could reduce its inventory of cable by detailing precisely which lengths of IBSB it needed and only buying those parts, instead of buying a large amount of cable and cutting it down to size themselves.
The IBSB Advanced conductors also improved the safety and reliability of Moderntec power units. The nVent ERIFLEX Advanced Technology conductor insulation is very efficient, making electrical connections more dependable. Advanced Technology insulation is constructed with materials using the latest safety technology that is low smoke, halogen-free and flame retardant (LSHFFR). These features improve safety for electrical equipment and people during installation and use, and help Moderntec comply with rigorous international safety standards so they can more easily scale up and serve additional customers.
“Using nVent ERIFLEX IBSBS helps us reduce the total installation cost and time: IBSB can be directly connect to the main MCCB, the installation is very easy and doesn’t require any special tool,” said Mr. Kim, Director of Manufacturing at Moderntec.
nVent helps our customers bring critical convenience to complicated projects. While the material costs of the IBSB Advanced are higher than cable and lug systems, when factoring in the ease of installation, time savings, decreased inventory and reduced labor costs, replacing cable and lug systems with IBSB Advanced in their electric bus chargers saved Moderntec money.
Cities across the globe are looking for more sustainable options for public transportation. With every innovation in electric vehicle technology, companies like Moderntec will be called upon to provide the infrastructure necessary to keep systems running. The reliability of IBSB helps Moderntec rest assured its chargers can help electric buses get the power they need.