A well-functioning network of charging stations is crucial to the success of electric mobility. AUCOTEAM supported HS-Drives GmbH in developing the prototype for the housing of its new fast-charging station for electric vehicles.
HS-Drives GmbH, based in Berlin-Adlershof, offers power electronics solutions with a focus on high-speed drives. For related fields of application, the company’s employees develop and manufacture devices and systems for converting current and voltage. One of the company’s new projects is the development of a fast-charging station for electric vehicles.
The innovative concept involves integrating the entire power electronics system and cooling system directly into the charging station. Third-party manufacturers typically only incorporate the control terminal and the vehicle connection into the charging station, while the power electronics are housed in separate buildings that must be constructed at a distance. The effort and costs involved in setting up such a charging station are many times higher than those for the fast-charging station developed by HS-Drives GmbH.
The charging station from HS-Drives GmbH requires only a poured concrete surface and the appropriate electrical connection. Installation is relatively simple: The fully assembled charging station is placed on the concrete surface using appropriate lifting equipment and secured using the threaded bolts located inside it. All that remains is to make the electrical connection.
AUCOTEAM as a partner in the project
In accordance with HS-Drives’ specifications, AUCOTEAM supported the development of the housing for the first prototype of the fast-charging station. The housing was designed and manufactured entirely at the AUCOTEAM production facility.
As a project partner, AUCOTEAM’s manufacturing facility provided HS-Drives with optimal conditions for success:
- Short distances and quick response times between design and production facilities, as both departments are located under one roof.
- An extensive machine park with equipment for laser welding, 2D and 3D laser cutting, as well as sheet metal bending. Fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, can be pressed in or welded on using the appropriate equipment.
The charging station is made entirely of stainless steel. This means there is no risk of corrosion even if the paint coating is damaged. The electronic components are housed in a separate compartment with an IP65 protection rating. Welded joints were avoided.
The design of the steel structure was intended to allow for relatively straightforward adjustments resulting from test operations. For this reason, all components were fastened together using screw connections. This resulted in a modular system in which elements can be replaced with relative ease.
We would like to thank HS-Drives GmbH for the excellent collaboration and look forward to taking the next step toward electromobility together.
