ABB technology helps optimize snowmaking efficiency for World Cup ski slope

• New snowmaking system on Erta slope for Audi FIS Ski World Cup
• Snow generator system integrates power data from ABB Ability^TM Energy Manager for real-time energy optimization
• Operator Funivie San Vigilio di Marebbe SpA reducing energy costs

The famous Erta slope in San Vigilio di Marebbe, Italy is a regular stop at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup. For this year’s event, a new black run, the Sorega, has been built parallel to Erta. With construction of the Sorega requiring upgrades to the snowmaking system, the slope’s operator, Funivie San Vigilio di Marebbe SpA, saw the opportunity to ensure the power systems and energy management for the entire resort were just as fresh.

The resort's engineers worked with snow generator supplier TechnoAlpin and ABB to build an advanced energy system that would guarantee perfect snowfall throughout the season – and provide intelligent remote management capabilities.

Funivie San Vigilio di Marebbe’s technical director, Danny Kastlunger, said: "When we decided to renovate our snowmaking facilities with new, more energy-efficient snow cannons, we recognized it also made sense to equip ourselves with more technologically advanced facilities so that we could monitor power consumption, manage the plant and optimize our energy use."

ABB System Pro E Power switchboards with Emax 2 and Tmax XT circuit breakers connect the ski resort with the ABB Ability™ Energy Manager platform. The solution allows for real-time remote monitoring of key system parameters, such as power demand and energy input.

ABB Sales Application Engineer Paolo Ferrari oversaw the project: "ABB Ability™ Energy Manager receives data from ABB’s smart power devices to monitor key parameters. In this application, the energy data is also integrated into the TechnoAlpin snow generator system, enabling the San Vigilio team to completely manage their snowmaking system. It is helping them optimize their energy use, save costs, and improve their environmental footprint.”

Danny Kastlunger added: "With this new system, this was the first time we were able to open the San Vigilio ski area as early as December 1^st. The ABB system allows us to watch our consumption, so we can better manage energy and keep costs under control, especially important at this time.”

Achieving energy savings and efficiency improvements involves unique challenges for every organization. The ABB Ability™ Energy Manager provides the data, monitoring and management tools professionals in every infrastructure segment can use to optimize their energy usage.