The new Laboratory for Power Systems and Drives – LAVESP was officially commissioned to mark KONČAR’s 102nd anniversary. This state-of-the-art facility is a crucial addition to our Laboratory Center. The construction works on this unique laboratory were launched in July 2021 and the €8 million investment is fully financed from KONČAR’s own funds.

“In this laboratory, we will conduct a wide range of tests, including type tests, special tests, research, and development tests on various high-voltage equipment. This includes power and instrument transformers, circuit breakers, disconnectors, earthing switches, gas-insulated high-voltage plants, conductor and support insulators, overhead line and suspension equipment, HVAC cables and HVDC cables. These services will be available to both domestic and international customers,” stated Dalibor Filipović-Grčić, Ph.D, Director of the BU Laboratory Center and member of the Management Board of KONČAR – Institute, during the opening ceremony.

The centerpiece of the facility is a high-voltage laboratory, completely enclosed by a Faraday cage, measuring 30 x 35 meters in area and 28 meters in height. The facility will house three main newly acquired testing systems - 1200 kV AC source, 1200 kV DC source and 3.8 MV impulse generator. The 1200 kV, 960 kVA transformer test equipment, constructed in one stage procedure, instead of the usual cascade design procedure, will be developed and delivered by KONČAR - Instrument Transformers, which is just one of the many special features of the new laboratory.

Instead of a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, Oleg Butković, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure, initiated the 3.8 MV impulse generator by applying a chopped lightning impulse voltage using a multi-stage chopping gap. This symbolic act marked the official commencement of operations.

The activation of LAVESP is of immense significance for the continuity and advancement of high-voltage equipment testing. In terms of technical specifications, it stands on par with leading international laboratories. Beyond serving the domestic power engineering sector and strengthening collaboration with the scientific community, the new laboratory will drive the expansion of existing international collaborations and strategic partnerships, and additionally build up our global recognition.