Eco-design of enclosures for power stations

Description
Over the last few years the installation of outdoor power conversion equipment has been in high demand, mainly in the renewable energy sector. Energy storage systems (ESS) are a growing sector, mainly driven by the growth of renewable energies (which can exceed 40% of the total energy generated in the country), as these, unable to guarantee a continuous energy supply, require outdoor power conversion equipment.

ZIGOR R&D offers power generation systems and solutions and is a specialist in grid-connected solar photovoltaic inverters capable of operating at full power in extreme temperature and altitude conditions. For the realisation of KMALEBOX, ZIGOR R&D has been supported by the TECNALIA Technology Centre.

Objectives
– To eco-design and develop an innovative concept of an outdoor enclosure for power systems, including the chassis and enclosure, for integration with new models of power converters.
– To meet the necessary quantitative requirements: weight, stiffness, vibrations, efficiency, sustainability and cost.
– To meet qualitative requirements such as aesthetics or integration with the environment.
– Comply with functional and regulatory requirements such as manufacturing, assembly, handling, transport, maintenance, and the certifications and regulations in force.

Results
– 65% reduction in environmental impact, especially in climate change indicators, compared to the inverter currently used.
– Cost savings of up to €40,000 due to the elimination of the container.
– Approximate 50% reduction in the weight of the equipment, which means easier and cheaper to transport.

Conclusions
– KMALEBOX is a new cabinet and enclosure design for outdoor electrical conversion that has a lower environmental impact (less use of raw materials, higher percentage of recyclable material, less transport both due to the weight of the product itself and the elimination of the container fitted to the company), and a lower cost.