Kempower Pantograph Up
The Kempower Pantograph Up system provides both an automated charging sequence and fast charging of electric buses. Connect up to 8, and soon MORE, up to 12 Pantographs to a 600 or 1,200 kW Power Unit.
Key benefits
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Optimal fast-charging solution for buses
The Pantograph Up is suitable for overnight charging of electric buses. It features a contact dome at the end of a robust steel frame and integrated charging control electronics. This allows automated and quick charging sessions for electric buses. -
Supporting charging power of up to 500 kW
To reduce charging time, higher charging power is available for buses equipped with large batteries. -
Flexible charging system topology design
Multiple Kempower Satellites, Pantographs or other power delivery units can be connected to the same Kempower Power Unit to form a Distributed Charging System. Power is available simultaneously with equal or prioritized power distribution.
Automated pantograph charging of electric buses
Two pantograph charging methods are available: Kempower Pantograph Up and Kempower Pantograph Down. The pantograph charging session is fully automated and triggered by the bus driver, requiring precision to stop the bus at the correct location.
In the former (Up) method, each bus is equipped with an oscillating pantograph arm installed on the rooftop, and the charging station has an A-shaped current collector dome. The Pantograph Up operates similarly to CCS plug charging.
The other option, Pantograph Down, is also called OppCharge. While each bus has current transfer rails on the rooftop, each charging station includes a retractable pantograph arm that moves down and up. The Kempower Pantograph Down uses local wireless communication between the charging station and the bus.
A pantograph charging system consists of a grid supply, a double- or triple-cabinet Power Unit, a pantograph cantilever frame and a current collector dome or pantograph arm assembly. Both methods are capable of charging at power levels of 450 kW or more. Kempower supports both pantograph charging methods, although Pantograph Up has been more popular in EU countries.
The charging configuration for the DC fast chargers and the entire electric bus charging site is managed using the Kempower ChargEye for depot backend solution.
Fast electric bus charging
The Pantograph Up features a contact dome at the end of a sturdy steel frame with integrated charging control electronics, capable of delivering a maximum charging power of 500 kW. Its charging protocol aligns with CCS charging.
The Pantograph Up streamlines fast charging for electric buses with a fully automated sequence. Once the vehicle is correctly positioned beneath the dome, the extending pantograph arm connects with the dome to begin charging.
Similar to the Kempower Satellite Charging System, the Pantograph Up can be fully controlled via the Kempower ChargEye cloud service.
Connect up to 12 Pantograph Up charging points to a 600 kW or 1,200 kW Power Unit for expanded charging capabilities.
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