Pantograph
Charging systems
Electric charging stations play an important role in DC systems, and KWenergy has made significant investments to improve a key component in the supporting hardware infrastructure. Through innovation and a desire to maximize efficiency, our new pantographs are more durable, lighter and less expensive, benefiting both the customer and the end user.
What is the Pantograph?
The word Pantograph is made up of the Greek words panto/panta for everything and graph for writing. It originally referred to an early mechanical device for the exact copying and scaling of drawings.
Today, pantographs on railroads and, in our case, charging stations for vehicles are referred to as pantographs because they are similar in design and kinematics to the pantographs used in the past.
Automatic charging system for electric vehicles from KWenergy
The Pantograph from KWenergy is a device that is attached to the ceiling of a bus depot, for example. The arm lowers when the vehicle to be charged is positioned underneath and the charging process is started. The moving contacts signal correct contact, whereupon the actual charging process is started electronically. Once the charging process is complete, the arm of the pantograph lifts the contacts off the vehicle again and returns to the rest position.
If autonomous vehicles are used, this system can also be used to fully automate the entire charging process. The Pantograph meets the current OppCharge norms and standards.
Frequently asked questions about Pantograph
Target customers are integrators of infrastructures for public transport, operators of vehicle fleets in the bus or truck sector. The current model is designed for use in bus depots. All components are also suitable for use in wind and weather outside a depot.
Console:
The console is the interface to the higher-level charging infrastructure. It is used to attach the pantograph to the hall roof or to a frame. The drive motor and the attachment of the movable arm are attached to it
Double arm:
The double arm is used to lower the contact head vertically onto the vehicle. It transfers the forces between the contact head and the console and also serves to guide and hold the charging and signal cables.
Contact head:
All 4 movable contacts are attached to the contact head as an interface to the vehicle. 2 of the contacts are used to transmit power for charging, the other 2 are used for earthing and transmitting the signal for the control contact (pilot).
Our Pantograph was developed with the following main points in mind:
- Simple structure
- Low weight
- Robustness
- Guaranteed constant contact force of 10 N per contact
- Secured contacting sequence (earthing, charging contacts, control pilot)
- Longevity
- Low maintenance and easy replacement of parts
Our Pantograph underwent extensive endurance testing during development, during which it completed over 300,000 lowering and lifting cycles without interruption or damage.