Ever since we have enabled CERN to switch from transistor based power electronics to thyristor technologies in the 1970’s, we are an internationally recognized leader in the field of customised power conversion solutions for scientific institutes. Our track record with scientific industries is unrivalled with a long list of power supplies being delivered to institutes all over Europe.

For their research activities the scientific institutes we work with require facilities that go above-and-beyond. Whether it is a particle accelerator, a magnet laboratory or fusion physics installation, all institutes are pushing the envelope and this reflects in their power conversion demands. By working with these institutes for many years we have developed a range of different solutions, fitted for each application. This gives us the knowledge on which technology to use for which application, as we have seen it all and actually have done it all.

We continue to build upon our experience to create the best fitting solution for new applications that require special power conversion solutions. As we can use existing concepts and our state-of-the-art Control Platform, we can create custom solutions with the short lead times, pricing and limited risks of standard solutions.

Are you interested in our special converters or you want to speak with one of our experts? Feel free to contact us.

We can provide you with reliable, independent advice about current and future energy supply options and power conversions. We advise companies on how to optimal connect to or at the energy supply of the future. What are the latest technological innovations and what’s the impact for example of DC-grids and Hydrogen? As a specialist in Power Conversion, we offer extensive experience and expertise in the form of advice and engineering services. Our people are only too happy to help you in the following areas:

• Power Quality;
• Storage of Electric Energy
• DC networks and DC technology;
• Industrial drive systems;
• Preventive and Corrective Electro-technical Maintenance.

We believe in sharing knowledge. From extensive experience working with different industrial, but also scientific applications, we are keenly aware of the factors that matter for the success of our customers. We also know which technological choices are crucial at the outset of projects to bring them to a successful fruition. For that reason, we make ample use of our experts to help customers through this advisory process.  Examples of advisory processes include:

• Harmonic and safety analysis for Low-voltage Distribution Panels;
• Harmonic Filter analysis;
• Implementation of DC grids with Active Front End technology;
• Implementation of drive system for permanent magnet (PM) motors;
• Long-term maintenance plan for distribution panels and drive systems.

In order to provide you with the best advice at all times, we invest continuously in our people, our processes and our technology. Examples of key areas of knowledge and expertise include:

• Feasibility studies & system selection analyses;
• Harmonic distortion analysis;
• Reactive power and compensation;
• System resonance and interference plan;
• EMC qualification and solutions;
• Protection and control technologies;
• Design and outsourcing of transformers & distributors;
• Selectivity & protection of systems;
• Testing & analysis of mains pollution;
• VHDL firmware implementation;
• System design and simulation;
• Technical drawings;
• Design testing;
• Drawing-up of budgets and cost estimates;
• Coordination & handover;
• System performance scan.

When we advise, our objective is always to improve and extend the availability and lifespan of your system. As an independent partner, we provide know-how in the form of ‘best practices’, feasibility studies, conceptual design, basic design and training. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

”We believe in long-term relationships”

Predictable project implementation on the basis of incremental technological innovations and long years of experience. We believe in long-term relationships, so our projects endeavour at all times to find the best solution for our customers. These solutions come with low development risks, creating an optimum balance between the critical success factors of clients. This is reinforced by technological innovations which are constantly being developed and improved on the basis of proven technologies. In turn, we put these into practice in commercial projects. In this way, the customer can deploy state-of-the-art technologies without being unnecessarily exposed to development risks. Current technological developments include:

• Digitally controlled semiconductor Active Front End (AFE IGBT) technology;
• Low power DC/DC converters;
• Universal firmware-controlled digital control platform;
• Scalable Thyristor converters;
• Active harmonic distortion reduction filters.

In the projects for our customers, in general, we use existing technologies and existing components as much as possible. This may involve the use of subsystems and/or components which have been developed in-house VONK Intellectual Property and/or which are commercially available. Projects based on existing technologies we call System Integration projects. Good examples of these include:

• Integration of drive systems and converters within the processing industry, including digital control cabinets and installations;
• Integration of customer-specific magnet power supplies in scientific institutes;
• Upgrading and replacement of outdated (analogue) control systems and PLC operating systems;
• Replacement of outdated drive systems.

In System Integration projects we combine technical know-how and project management skills with application know-how, so that hardware and possibly software can be integrated as part of an turnkey solution for the end user. Typical activities within the scope of System Integration projects are:

• Project & Site management;
• Interface simulations and (lab) testing with dummy loads;
• System installation and testing;
• Integration, verification and qualification;
• Operationalization and release of systems;
• Compilation of handover documentation;
• System design;
• Integration of existing building blocks (pre-existing IP);
• Component selection and purchasing;
• Maintenance manuals and planning;
• (D)FMEA and MTBF analysis;
• Inventory of required spare parts and management;
• Commissioning and testing.

Projects which use new technologies have a different risk profile and so require a different approach. These projects are called Product Development projects. We perform these projects to develop our own building blocks and/or subsystems which can then be deployed in system integration projects. We can also develop customer-specific solutions, often in collaboration with other technology companies. Good examples of these include:

• Drive system product development projects for powering electric motors and rotary systems in a maritime environment and the processing industry;
• Special cooling systems for power applications in the maritime environment;
• Power (AC/DC) converters and power lines for a range of magnet application projects;
• Special power supply for oil-water separation systems.

In Product Development projects, we frequently use engineered components to develop newly required technologies such as our own building blocks or for customer-specific solutions. Typical activities within the scope of Product Development projects are:

• Project management;
• Risk management;
• Engineering;
• Functional design versus Critical to Quality customer requirements.;
• Detailed design specifications, documentation, (standard) component choice versus standards, requirements, manufacturability and minimum costs;
• Project purchasing, work planning and prototype assembly;
• Acceptance (type) testing and qualification of the design:
  • Functional testing;
  • Power performance testing
• Product industrialization;
• Product documentation for the product, including manuals;
• Integration of existing building blocks (pre-existing IP);
• Multidisciplinary engineering services;
• Design for X;
• (D)FMEA and MTBF analysis;
• Product qualification and certification.

Learn more by contacting us via our contact page.