Semiconductors represent the beating heart of modern technology. They are essential components for the functioning of electronic devices, from smartphones to cars.
Microprocessors, with their increasing computing power in millimetric dimensions, have revolutionized the way we live and work.
Semiconductors are fundamental to our society for several reasons:
- Enable modern technology: They are the core of electronic devices underpinning every modern technological application.
- Automation and efficiency: Used in industrial control systems and automation, they enhance efficiency and productivity.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Enable the creation of interconnected ecosystems that improve quality of life.
- Advanced medicine: Used in advanced medical equipment, they improve diagnosis and treatment.
- Mobility evolution: Used in the automotive field both for vehicle electrification and the implementation of autonomous driving.
Development strategy and objectives
VINCI Energies Building Solutions Italia concretely contributes to the development strategy of the semiconductor industry, working alongside industry leaders to create the technological plants needed for the efficient and advanced production of microprocessors.
This collaboration is an integral part of the European Chips Act strategy, which aims to strengthen Europe’s technological autonomy and promote innovation in the field of microelectronics.
The goal was to ensure a reliable and safe electrical distribution for the production of semiconductor electronic components, including the management of both normal and emergency power supplies.
Specifically, at VINCI Energies Building Solutions Italia we built a series of systems that include the main Low Voltage distribution, the full setup of 5 electrical substations, power supply to all control panels and field sensor cabling,
inverters, automation panels and PLCs, instruments (level sensors, flow meters, thermostats, ultrasonic instruments) and electrical hook-ups for the production machines at the new manufacturing site of a global microelectronics leader located in Catania.
Technologies adopted and main activities performed
Main distribution: Use of 4000 A and 2000 A busbars for energy distribution between transformer secondaries and electrical panels.
Setup of 5 electrical substations with the following equipment:
- Electrical Panels:
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PC: Main incoming power panels. Used to connect the transformer secondaries via 4000A busbars and for distribution to specific equipment and power converters.
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PC UPS: Distribution panels to protect and distribute power supplies. Connected downstream of the UPS and emergency transformers via 4000A busbars, they provide distribution to various technical equipment.
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TDF: Zone distribution panels for cleanroom equipment.
- UPS: UPS and batteries to ensure 30 seconds of autonomy at full load in case of switchover between normal and safety power supply and in case of instability/poor quality of the main power supply, ensuring reliable power.
- Monitoring Systems: Implementation of measurement and monitoring systems that combine energy monitoring, power quality analysis, and residual current monitoring.
Electrical Hook-Ups for production equipment.
Wiring of automation panels, instruments (level sensors, flow meters, thermostats, ultrasonic instruments) and signal/control cables.
Results achieved
- RELIABILITY AND SAFETY: improved safety for people and environments thanks to the segregation of normal and emergency power supplies.
- ENERGY EFFICIENCY: energy saving and operational continuity guaranteed by the adopted technical solutions.
- FLEXIBILITY: flexible and expandable design for future modifications and expansions.
- MAINTENANCE: ease of maintenance thanks to the subdivision of systems and centralized management of variables.
Success in numbers
The completed projects achieved their intended goals, ensuring safe and reliable electrical distribution for semiconductor production.
- Number of operators involved: 35.
- Installed systems: 1650 m of Busbar Trunking (650 m of 4000 A and 1000 m of 2000 A). 5 PC, 5 PC-UPS, and 13 SPACIAL SFP zone distribution panels (400 V, 50 Hz). 23 UPS modules.
- Laid cables: 20,000 m of power cables. About 30,000 m of control cables.
- Wired electrical panels: 21 power panels. 21 automation panels.
- Accidents: ZERO.