Electrical Distribution

With the inauguration of the South Pole Station, P&V Elektrotechniek is now present on all 6 continents (Europe, America, Africa, Asia, Oceania and Antarctica) with its electrical distribution and control panels. For the electrical distribution and control panels, Schneider Electric, first-choice project partner of the 'Princess Elisabeth' research station, contracted P&V Elektrotechniek as 'certified supplier'. The control panels for the Princess Elisabeth base are a fine example of high technology: the entire energy distribution but also the complex system for integrated building control were assembled and proof-tested at P&V Elektrotechniek's factory.

All the appliances and equipment were chosen on the basis of maximum operating reliability over timeand the adopted methodology is comparable to that used in the aerospace industry. To work out all the advanced equipment, down to the last detail, a true-to-life mock-up of the technical heart was built at Laborelec - Electrabel's test laboratory in Linkebeek. All the electrical equipment of the station - windmills, photovoltaic panels, switchboards and control panels,… - was proof-tested by Laborelec before being shipping to Antarctica.

P&V Elektrotechniek supplied a PLC control panel with a total length of 6 metres, 1 M.L.V.P. (Main Low VoltagePanel) - the heart of the South Pole Station that bundles together and distributes all the sources of energy -, 4 distribution panels as well as 25 terminal boxes.

The engineers at P&V Elektrotechniek worked on these panels for 40 man-weeks, keeping to a very tight schedule. Thanks to the high quality and high productive capacity, the workers at P&V Elektrotechniek were able to finish on time.
Johan Berte, Project Manager of the Antarctic Research Station, is delighted with the successful cooperation of Schneider Electric and P&V Elektrotechniek.