BT-Systems GmbH has been awarded the contract for Austria's largest switchgear project to date. In the coming years, we will be supplying the tunnel infrastructure along the S6 motorway, among others, with state-of-the-art switching technology. The contract was awarded to us by PKE Verkehrstechnik GmbH, a leading provider of electrotechnical solutions with a focus on tunnelling and traffic engineering, and covers several major tunnel projects in Austria, with the main focus being on the Semmering tunnel chain.
Customised switching technology
For BT-Systems, this latest major order to equip the tunnel systems represents a significant step in the realisation of demanding infrastructure projects. With a total of three key projects - the Semmering tunnel chain, the Oberaich, Niklasdorf and Massenberg tunnels and Stadtstraße Aspern in the area of Vienna - we are demonstrating our leading expertise in the field of switchgear technology. These projects, which are realised in close cooperation with our client PKE Verkehrstechnik, modernise Austria's transport infrastructure and improve both safety and efficiency.
As part of these tunnelling projects, BT-Systems will supply some 1,000 state-of-the-art switchgear systems over the next five years, with an order value in the millions. Approx. 1,700,000 individual parts will be installed. Approx. 900,000 metres of copper wire and copper rails weighing several tonnes will be processed at the highest standard and with the strictest quality controls. The switchgear is used in various areas of the tunnel infrastructure and includes specialised solutions for the following applications:
- Free field distributor: These control cabinets play a central role in power distribution along the motorways and at the tunnel entrances to ensure reliable power supply.
- Switch cabinets for the electrical rooms: These form the central control point for controlling and monitoring the entire tunnel infrastructure, thereby ensuring safe operation.
- Switch cabinets for the tunnel sector: These control cabinets secure the power supply for safety-relevant equipment such as emergency call niches and lighting systems, which are essential for the protection of road users in tunnels.
In the realisation of these projects, BT-Systems provides the reliable switching technology required for the safe operation of the tunnel systems.
100% Made in Austria: Maximum quality paired with regional value creation
All switchgear is produced in BT-Systems' state-of-the-art production facilities in Austria. Strict quality controls guarantee that every system meets international standards. "By manufacturing in Austria, we not only ensure the highest precision and quality, but also make an important contribution to regional value creation and strengthening the domestic business location," says Gerald Kreiner, CEO of BT-Systems.
Technological innovations for precision, efficiency and progress
BT-Systems uses state-of-the-art technologies to optimise the production of its switchgear. Using EPLAN Pro Panel 3D design, we simulate switch cabinets in high detail before producing them, thus maximising the quality of our end products. In addition, a processing machine ensures maximum precision in the mechanical processing of the housings and mounting plates. Housings, doors and mounting plates for the switch cabinets are milled and machined fully automatically - with a level of precision that would be impossible to achieve manually. In addition, total documentation enables fast and identical reproduction of each system, which significantly increases flexibility in production.
A key feature of BT-Systems' highly automated production is the Wire Terminal - the most modern wire assembly system in Austria. This technology enables the fully automatic processing of wires - from cutting to length and stripping to crimping and labelling. This terminal is indispensable when processing almost 900 kilometres of wire - roughly the distance from Vienna to Cologne. With its precise automation, it not only guarantees consistently high quality, but also maximum efficiency in every step of the process. In addition, each switchgear unit is equipped with shock indicators on delivery, which enable continuous monitoring during transport. This safety measure guarantees that all systems arrive at their destination in perfect condition and can be reliably put into operation.