UPSIE BU2, radiotherapy bunker UZ Gent

The challenge

 UZ Gent's UPSIE BU2 project required a reliable and emission-free power supply for two large tower cranes:

 - WOLFF 8033.20 Cross, maximum lifting capacity 20 tons

 - Liebherr 470 EC-B, maximum lifting capacity 16 tons

Both cranes have lifting engines of 75 kW and 65 kW respectively, good for a measured peak power of 130 kW and 110kW respectively when lifting and slewing simultaneously.

However, the available 63 A grid connection (≈ 43 kVA) is located at a considerable distance from the cranes, which would normally require very long cables of large cross-section: expensive to buy, difficult to handle and rarely reusable on other projects. A classic solution using diesel generators would also generate additional costs, noise and emissions.

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The goal

STRABAG wanted to be able to electrically operate both tower cranes simultaneously,without heavy cabling or additional grid reinforcement, and with a quiet, emission-free power supply that met the project's sustainability goals.

The solution

In cooperation with STRABAG, Neargrid supplied a Boost 200kVA yard battery, which acts as an intelligent buffer between the grid and yard consumers.

The battery is fed through a 63 A connection at 400 V, good for an available grid power of ± 43 kVA continuously.

During peak times, the Boost effortlessly supplies up to 240 kVA,so that both tower cranes can run simultaneously without overloading the grid connection.

The battery was strategically placed between the two tower cranes to reduce cable losses and voltage drop.

 The wiring diagram was worked out with Neargrid :

- The Boost directly feeds the peak consumers (the tower cranes).

- The remaining outputs are used for yard lighting, pumps and power distribution points ("mushrooms").

The result

The Boost 200 configuration provides a stable and quiet power supply without the need for a weighted grid connection or diesel generator.

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The construction site now has a completely emission-free, reliable and economical power supply, perfectly matched to the heavy loads of two simultaneously rotating tower cranes.

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‍"The yard needs to have the right power at all times. With a traditional power group you always run risks, but with Neargrid's battery the power supply is guaranteed to be quiet, reliable and completely emission-free."
- Project Manager Jan Dens , STRABAG

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‍"On the UZ Gent site, we combine several heavy-power installations on one 200 kVA battery. Even at peak loads, everything remains stable: the battery absorbs the peaks effortlessly without any additional connection or delay."
- Project Manager Mathias Van Gastel, STRABAG

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Neargrid enables emission-free construction sites and helps construction companies meet their sustainability goals - discover more projects in this video.

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