Case
Project summary
- TSG handled the executive design, supply and installation of equipment, as well as civil and infrastructural works for both plants with over 50 Kempower ultra-fast charging points.
- CD Elettrica built two MT/BT transformation substations with 2,000 kVA transformers.
- TSG will take care of the maintenance of the new plants for the next 6 years.
TSG has created two new stations with over 50 Kempower ultra-fast charging points in Reggio Emilia and Piacenza, Italy, for the fleet of 21 electric buses of SETA S.p.A. (Società Emiliana Trasporti Autofiloviari) which, subsidised by the European funds from the PNRR – Next Generation EU, is focusing on low-emission vehicles equipped with advanced technologies.
SETA S.p.A. warehouse in Reggio Emilia
Project outline
A charging infrastructure for electric buses must guarantee safety and flexibility in daily operations, ensuring that the vehicles are ready for service with sufficient autonomy for the daily mission profile. In particular, the system must be able to manage both extended night-time charging cycles and any rapid charging in extraordinary operating conditions. Read more about the challenges of charging infrastructures for electric buses here.
The ability to distribute power in a modular and dynamic way is essential to optimize the installed power and maximize vehicle availability, reducing downtime. To meet these needs, TSG has created two systems for SETA S.p.A. equipped with 51 ultra-rapid charging points – 26 in the Reggio Emilia depot and 25 in Piacenza – each capable of delivering up to 180 kW.
The technical solution is based on the technology of Kempower, the Finnish manufacturer of rapid direct current charging solutions, for both the hardware and the software platform for supervising and managing the charging infrastructure for electric buses, offering a highly flexible system capable of adapting in real-time to different operational needs.
The implemented configuration allows to modulate the distribution of power between vehicles, ensuring efficiency and optimization. For example, when all buses are connected simultaneously, the power can be distributed homogeneously in the initial phase and adjusted or dynamically based on the state of charge of the batteries of the vehicles being charged. It is also possible to manage priorities based on the exit time of the vehicles or the possible need for rapid charging of one or more vehicles.
SETA S.p.A. Depot in Reggio Emilia
The Reggio Emilia and Piacenza depots in Italy are concrete examples of how a distributed charging infrastructure, composed of power units and satellites, allows highly functional layouts, minimizing the impact on the internal traffic of the depot. The installation and activation of the Kempower equipment were completed easily, also thanks to the on-site support of Kempower technicians. Once again, the collaboration between TSG and Kempower has proven to be a key element in ensuring an optimal customer experience.
TSG and Kempower have already collaborated on numerous EV charging infrastructure projects across Europe, both for public stations and fleets, with Kempower providing the technology and TSG designing, installing and maintaining the infrastructure.
Another important technical element is the two substations with medium voltage/low voltage (MV/LV) transformer cabins, equipped with a 2,000 kVA transformer, designed and built by CD Elettrica, part of the TSG group.
The first six electric vehicles are already ready to enter service on the city’s public transport lines, thus helping to improve air quality in the most densely populated and frequented urban area. The other 15 full-electric buses will be delivered and operational by June next year.
We are delighted to partner once again with TSG Italia to bring fast charging to Emilia-Romagna. SETA S.p.A. has ambitious electrification plans that require cutting-edge ultra-fast charging to power a growing fleet of electric buses. Our charging technology, combined with TSG’s installation expertise, will enable SETA S.p.A. to seamlessly integrate the new electric buses into its fleet and achieve its goals, continuing to provide quality service to communities across the region.
