Astrol

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Peter van den Berg

Peter's extensive knowledge of power electronics, electronics and IT combined with his application knowledge, with specialization in maritime DC power grids makes him the perfect sparring partner to electrical engineers.

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Astrol products

• Solid-state DC breakers

  

• Latching Current Limiters for battery string protection

  

• Solid-state DC breakers for data centers

  

• Solid-state power switches

  

• Solid-state Medium Voltage AC breakers

  

Recent news items featuring Astrol subjects

• Zone protection in closed DC Bus and ring systems

  This blog post by Anju Upadhyay provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and advancements in zone protection within closed DC bus and ring systems, emphasizing the critical role of Solid-state DC breakers in enhancing system reliability and efficiency.

  

• Solid-state DC circuit breakers in traction systems

  Electrified rail systems are evolving fast, but are their protection systems keeping up? In this whitepaper, Anju upadhyay examines how high-frequency switching power electronics (IGBTs, SiC MOSFETs), bidirectional energy flow from regenerative braking, and increasingly complex DC architectures expose the limitations of mechanical and hybrid circuit breakers. The paper explains why ultra-fast, solid-state DC circuit breakers are becoming critical for fault selectivity, system reliability, and safe operation in both rolling stock and traction infrastructure.

  

• From ships to servers: why AI is reshaping data center power

  This blog post by Michael Geissmann explaines how AI is reshaping data center power architectures, highlighting the shift towards DC systems and the critical role of solid-state technologies in ensuring efficiency, reliability, and scalable protection.

  

• DC breaker’s spinning reserve mode

  With our spinning reserve mode we are able to allow a 30 minute period with a 20% overload in power from the ESS in case of grid failure.

  

• Ben blogs about Astrolkwx’s successful customized solutions

  Ben takes a closer look at our services and approach as his retirement approaches. He also shares his closing thoughts.

  

• Solid-state DC Breakers allow safe operation of maritime DC systems with low inductance

  Aniket explains how our solid-state breakers have demonstrated their capability in multiple applications, serving as bus tie and enabling zone protection in multi-bus and ring systems.

  

Astrol is used in the following applications

• Kongsberg Maritime integrates solid-state DC breakers in CSOV vessel range

  Astrol’s 1.5 kV, 3 kA solid-state DC breakers have been integrated into the multi-bus ring DC grid systems of next-generation Construction Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs), developed in partnership with Kongsberg Maritime. Designed for offshore wind farm operations, these DNV-classed vessels demand high reliability, redundancy, and safety—requirements met by Astrol’s ultra-fast protection technology. This collaboration sets a new standard for sustainable, future-proof maritime electrification.

  

• DC Grid Protection of Cadeler’s A-Class Wind Turbine Installation Vessels (WTIVs)

  The DC multi-bus ring system, engineered by Kongsberg Maritime and protected by Astrol’s 1.5 kV, 3 kA solid-state DC breakers. These advanced breakers offer ultra-fast, arc-free fault isolation, ensuring optimal safety, uptime, and resilience in demanding marine environments.

  

• The AC railway neutral section switch

  Continuous power supply to the locomotives while passing the neutral section by appyling solid-state technology. Just as the traditional mechanical solution, the Astrol solid-state railway switch is installed at both ends of the neutral section and allows its electrification from either side.

  

• Serco and Astrolkwx: A collaboration on NOMARS autonomous shipping project 

  Serco and Astrolkwx collaborated on the NOMARS autonomous shipping project, aiming to develop advanced electrical power systems for unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Josiah Myer, an Electrical Engineer at Serco Inc., highlighted the challenges faced in sourcing equipment that met stringent specifications while integrating seamlessly into the ship's infrastructure.

  

• Protecting the Zeetug’s DC grid against short-circuit and power overload

  Discover how system integrator 'BMA Technology' is protecting the ZEETUG's DC grid by using our solid-state DC breaker.

  

• A design with focus on zero emission

  To protect the onboard DC grid of passenger ferry Svelvik in the most reliable and efficient way, the Turkish system integrator Elkon used the 500 Ampere 1 kV Astrol solid-state DC breaker switch.