Reliable Energy for the Gas Grid: Focus on Critical Infrastructure

Safety as the Top Priority for the European Gas Grid

The Rimpar compressor station is a crucial hub in the German and European gas grid. It is where pipelines such as the Central European Gas Pipeline (MEGAL), which connects the Czech Republic and Austria with France, intersect. To ensure the long-term availability of this critical infrastructure, the station was expanded to include a functionally independent unit – equipped with state-of-the-art power supply technology.

No Compression Without a Reliable Power Supply

In a compressor station, numerous critical components depend on an uninterruptible energy supply. These include:

• Measuring systems and the entire control technology
• Solenoid valves and safety-related air conditioning units
• Emergency lighting as well as emergency and fire extinguishing water pumps
• Network and telecommunications technology

A power failure in these areas would have serious consequences for large parts of the long-distance gas network. To prevent this, the operator relies on a specialized solution from BENNING.

Customized Solution: The Best of Both Worlds

BENNING implemented a system that combines the advantages of monoblock and modular power supplies. This solution is precisely tailored to high performance and maximum security requirements.

Technical Highlights of the Installation

The installed system includes high-performance system elements:

• THYROTRONIC Rectifiers: Two thyristor rectifiers (110 V / 1000 A) ensure maximum operational reliability during battery charging and the supply of DC consumers.
• INVERTRONIC Inverters: Four three-phase 80 kVA and two single-phase 50 kVA inverters offer maximum efficiency and protect critical consumers from grid disturbances.
• TEBECHOP 3000 HDi: Modular rectifiers and DC converters allow for flexible scalability and are characterized by their robustness in industrial use.

The entire system is controlled via the modern MCU 3000 display and control unit with an intuitive 10-inch touch display.

Quality "Made in Germany" Convinces

In addition to technical superiority, BENNING's many years of experience in the oil and gas sector and its local proximity were decisive factors. Short distances and fast response times for service and maintenance assignments guarantee consistently high availability of the systems.

Outlook: Further Projects for Security of Supply

The successful acceptance in Rimpar in March 2023 is just the beginning. Within the framework of the Gas Network Development Plan, further projects are already planned in which BENNING will support the performance of German energy infrastructure as a partner.