At the 2015 eCarTec show, VACUUMSCHMELZE (VAC) was presented with the Bavarian State Award for Electric and Hybrid Mobility in the “Energy Storage & Infrastructure” category. The Munich event is the world’s largest international trade show for electric mobility. The new type of differential current sensor, developed by VAC in partnership with Bender GmbH & Co. KG, successfully beat off strong international competition to bring the award to VAC’s home state of Hesse.
The Bavarian State Award for Electric and Hybrid Mobility attracted 100 entries from a total of nine countries, which were narrowed down to 21 finalists in five categories. In the final round, VAC’s DI sensor was able to secure the decision of the panel of experts that made up the jury. The new AC/DC-sensitive differential current sensor module is used in residual current monitoring units for charging stations and their charging cables. It reliably measures AC currents of < 30 mA and DC currents of < 6 mA.
The module makes an important contribution to safety, protecting users from coming into contact with residual current in cases such as cable insulation faults – which can cause injuries or even fatalities. The new product has good prospects of soon becoming an integral safety element in future generations of charging systems for electric and hybrid vehicles.
This was the seventh time that Munich Expo GmbH and the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs and Media had presented the eCarTec Award. The award, which is unique throughout the world, is aimed at promoting electric mobility and helping this drive technology to achieve widespread adoption. The competition is directed at companies that have marketed exceptional products and innovative technologies.
