Electricity For A View Into Space: Siemens Supplies Network Stations To The Observatory

Siemens has received an order from ESO (European Southern Observatory) in Chile to supply and install three container network stations. These compact stations are equipped with medium-voltage switchgear, low-voltage switchgear, dry-type transformers and ancillary systems and are intended, among other things, to secure the power supply for the high-performance telescope VLT (Very Large Telescope). The VLT is the most modern of its kind and is located on the approximately 2,600 m high Cerro Paranal mountain in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. The order is worth around EUR 1.2 million.

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Modular network stations ensure reliable power supply

The compact stations are customer-specific prefabricated and pre-tested modular network stations for a reliable power supply. In the compact stations for the European Southern Observatory, Siemens installs medium-voltage switchgear type 8DJH, low-voltage switchgear type Sivacon S8 and transformers. The compact stations from Siemens are completely manufactured, installed and pre-tested in the factory, before being assembled, connected and put into operation on site. This makes them quick and easy to set up. According to Siemens, they are easy to expand and make optimal use of the available space. As a result, they represent a time-saving and economical alternative to conventional, on-site stations and are suitable for many applications.

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Most advanced optical instrument in the world

The Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile is part of the Paranal Observatory, the flagship observatory of European ground-based astronomy and the most advanced optical instrument in the world. The VLT consists of four main telescopes, each with a mirror diameter of 8.2 meters, and four movable 1.8-meter auxiliary telescopes, all of which can be interconnected to form a large telescope. The telescope is operated by the European Southern Observatory, ESO (European Southern Observatory), the leading European organization for astronomical research. (sh)