The MR Power Quality Converters team is developing fresh ideas for the new markets of tomorrow at the former Tegel Airport in Berlin.
The energy market is changing. Whereas pure AC grids used to dominate, we now live in a hybrid world with decentralized generators such as solar and wind power plants supplying DC voltage, and consumers such as e‑vehicle charging stations using it. Local DC grids are therefore an efficient solution for better networking of this hybrid world. This means coordinating energy producers and consumers, and connecting them with minimal losses and without any conversion processes. Such an approach allows costs to be saved in a variety of ways, both in the construction of the infrastructure and in operation.
“DC technology pays off for fleet providers in particular for whom the total cost of ownership, or TCO for short, is relevant.”
Kim Urbanke, Power Quality Converters Sales
These new, exciting market areas for power electronics in the low-voltage range require suitable system solutions — the right task for the team at MR Power Quality Converters in Berlin. Formerly part of AEG, it has been part of MR for over 20 years and, in recent years, has continued to develop in line with market requirements. For example, with its modular active filter for balancing current and voltage fluctuations in AC grids or its modular power converter for battery storage in hybrid grids.
With the GRIDCON® DC products, the Berlin-based company launched new products on the market in 2023, with which it is tapping into a future market by enabling the connection of DC generators, storage systems and consumers to a local DC grid. The new GRIDCON® DC Charger, for example, offers a charging infrastructure for cars and commercial vehicles. “DC grids are currently the subject of much discussion and are in high demand from customers,” says Kim Urbanke from Power Quality Converters Sales. “Customers are looking for ever more efficient systems and at the same time our sales partners are looking for innovative approaches with which they can differentiate themselves even better from their competitors.”
“We are characterized by a high level of technical expertise and specialized knowledge.”
Kim Urbanke, Power Quality Converters Sales
The demand for a fast and energy-efficient charging infrastructure is particularly high in the e‑mobility sector. Retailers are equipping their parking lots with charging points, and logistics providers and local public transport are also looking for suitable solutions. Kim Urbanke explains: “DC technology pays off for fleet providers in particular for whom the total cost of ownership, or TCO for short, is relevant. In other words, the total cost of operation. What does a kilometer driven with electricity cost compared to diesel?”
According to Urbanke, depot solutions with self-generated and temporarily stored solar power are already significantly cheaper than fossil fuels in many applications. The MR range is not limited to e‑mobility, however. Industrial companies can also use the products to convert parts of their grid to DC voltage, thereby increasing the efficiency of their overall grid and saving costs.
The 40-strong team of experienced and young colleagues is not short of fresh ideas. “We are characterized by a high level of technical expertise and specialized knowledge,” says Urbanke. Coupled with creativity and innovative strength, this expertise is needed to develop products for new markets. “Everyone here is very motivated to open up new business areas and grow,” he emphasizes. Since the beginning of 2023, their location has been at the former Tegel Airport, in the Urban Tech Republic, the research and industrial park for urban technologies that is being built there. Here there is plenty of space for their ideas as well as real test environments, such as the System Integration Center, where developers can fine-tune new DC system solutions.
Innovative pilot project by MR Power Quality Converters
Refuel electricity without detours: solar power from the roof for charging stations and commercial properties
1. The Goal
The retail company Buchbauer wants to cover most of the energy supply for a new Edeka supermarket and its e‑car charging stations for customers with low-cost, locally generated solar energy. Despite a limited AC grid connection, a high-performance PV system is to be installed to utilize the full potential of the roof and an expandable range of attractive fast-charging stations is to be set up–without any lengthy and expensive grid expansion.

2. The Implementation
The pilot project was carried out in cooperation with the LET Group, a system integrator for DC grids. MR supplied its tried, tested and certified GRIDCON® PCS inverter, a new GRIDCON® DC transformer for direct DC storage connection, and a GRIDCON® DCC charging station installed in the DC grid. Jonas Epperlein, Power Quality Converters Sales, says: “Highly efficient storage systems ensure the necessary harmony between low-cost, volatile generation from local PV systems and the fluctuating demands of e‑mobility.” This pilot project serves as a template for a cross-sector multiplication of the PV2V system approach, for example in logistics or local public transport.

3. The Result
A PV system with an output of 345 kWp was connected to the existing 170 kW AC grid connection, which would not have been possible in a conventional AC grid. Locally required electricity, for example for charging, is provided directly from the local PV generation. PV2V (photovoltaic-2-vehicle) systems thus create a lucrative, low-cost charging offer that ensures satisfied customers and a supermarket that is always full. Excess solar power at times when generation exceeds demand is stored and consumed as soon as possible. The efficient DC grid connection increases the yield of the PV system, significantly reduces storage losses and enables the expansion of the charging infrastructure at existing AC grid connections using all locally available potential. The maximum utilization of local AC grid connection capacities also significantly reduces grid planning efforts and shortens otherwise time-consuming approvals for generation and consumption systems.

YOUR CONTACT PERSON
Do you have any questions?
Kim Urbanke will be happy to advise you:
k.urbanke@reinhausen.com