OEM Electrical Components for LMU’s Dairy Farm Power Supply

June 10, 2025

Project Snapshot

• Project Name: New Dairy Farm Power Infrastructure, LMU Oberschleißheim Teaching and Research Estate
• Location: St. Hubertus Straße 12, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
• Execution Timeline: 2024 to 2025
• Procuring Entity: Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
• System Requirement: Complete Low Voltage Main Distribution Board (NSHV) featuring 5 distinct compartments
• KRIPAL’s Role: OEM Component Partner supplying certified switchgear and industrial protection devices

Project Background: Modernizing Agricultural Research

The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) is one of the leading academic institutions in Europe. To advance their veterinary and agricultural research capabilities, LMU commissioned the construction of a state of the art dairy farm at their Oberschleißheim teaching and research estate.

Executed between 2024 and 2025, this facility was designed to utilize the latest in automated milking systems, climate control, and livestock management technology.

To support this advanced agricultural equipment, the facility required a highly robust power distribution network. The core of this system is a customized Low Voltage Main Distribution Board, commonly referred to in Germany as a Niederspannungshauptverteilung (NSHV).

The engineering specifications called for a sophisticated 5 compartment NSHV configuration to separate different functional areas of the farm. This project presented a prime opportunity for high quality OEM component suppliers to integrate their products into Germany’s strictly regulated public infrastructure sector.

The Engineering Challenge in Agricultural Environments

Designing electrical systems for dairy farms involves overcoming severe environmental hazards. Unlike standard commercial buildings, agricultural facilities are exposed to high levels of ambient moisture, airborne dust, and corrosive ammonia vapors generated by livestock. Furthermore, dairy farms operate around the clock.

Critical systems such as bulk milk cooling tanks, automated feeding lines, and ventilation fans cannot experience unexpected downtime. Any electrical failure could result in spoiled produce or compromise animal welfare.

Therefore, the switchgear manufacturer that won the project tender needed electrical components that offered flawless reliability, strict compliance with German DIN VDE standards, and cost effective procurement. KRIPAL was selected as the designated OEM partner to supply the core electrical devices for the distribution boards and field enclosures.

KRIPAL’s OEM Supply Scope and Technical Integration

As a specialized OEM component manufacturer, KRIPAL provided a comprehensive package of low voltage products customized to fit the exact spatial and technical requirements of the NSHV and the broader farm infrastructure.

1. Industrial Moulded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCB)

For the main incoming power feeds and heavy duty branch circuits, we supplied our industrial moulded case circuit breakers. These units are rated from 100A to 2000A in 3 pole configurations. In the dairy farm, these MCCBs act as the primary line of defense against severe overloads and short circuits.

They are engineered to handle the high inrush currents generated when large agricultural motors and compressor units start up. All supplied MCCBs are fully compliant with DIN VDE and EN IEC standards, ensuring stable energy flow from the municipal grid into the farm.

2. Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB) for Branch Protection

The 5 compartment NSHV required localized protection for hundreds of smaller circuits, including interior lighting, sensors, and localized control panels. We provided a vast array of miniature circuit breakers rated from 2A to 125A in both 3 pole and 4 pole designs.

These MCBs feature a compact footprint designed specifically for space saving distribution cabinet layouts, allowing the panel builders to maximize the density of the control cabinets without compromising thermal management.

3. Industrial Switch Disconnectors for Safe Maintenance

Safety during equipment maintenance is non negotiable, especially in wet agricultural environments where technicians might be working near water hoses. We supplied industrial switch disconnectors installed strictly on the incoming side of the distribution panels.

Compliant with the IEC 60947-3 standard, these isolators provide a mechanical, highly visible break in the circuit. This guarantees complete electrical isolation before any maintenance personnel open the cabinets or service the milking machinery.

4. Power AC Contactors and Overload Relays

Modern dairy farms rely heavily on automation. To facilitate this, KRIPAL supplied power AC contactors paired directly with thermal overload relays. These components are integrated into the programmable logic controller (PLC) systems of the farm.

They provide reliable and automatic switching for climate control ventilation fans and automated feeding belts, ensuring the motors are protected against overheating during continuous operation.

5. IP67 Waterproof Industrial Plugs and Sockets

Milking parlors and livestock holding areas must undergo rigorous daily cleaning protocols, often involving high pressure water jets. Standard electrical outlets would pose a severe electrocution risk. To solve this, KRIPAL supplied heavy duty IP67 waterproof industrial plugs and sockets.

These were deployed across all field distribution boxes and maintenance outlets throughout the Oberschleißheim estate. The IP67 rating ensures complete protection against dust ingress and allows the connections to withstand temporary immersion in water, keeping farm workers completely safe during washdown procedures.

Strict Quality Assurance and Global Certifications

Entering the German public infrastructure market requires absolute proof of quality. The switchgear manufacturer chose KRIPAL because our manufacturing processes eliminate compliance risks.

Every component supplied for the LMU project carries comprehensive international certifications, including CE, CB, UL, VDE, TUV, and KEMA. These credentials fulfill all mandatory German market entry requirements and grid connection codes.

Furthermore, KRIPAL operates an in house, CNAS accredited testing laboratory. Before shipping the components to Germany, every product batch was subjected to rigorous mechanical endurance and electrical load testing.

As an enterprise that exports to over 100 countries globally, our ability to deliver consistent quality at scale provided the German panel builder with complete confidence in their supply chain.

A Blueprint for Infrastructure Success

The LMU Oberschleißheim dairy farm project stands as a perfect demonstration of how KRIPAL supports advanced European infrastructure developments through dedicated OEM manufacturing.

By providing a combination of fully certified electrical components, deep customization services, and highly cost effective production, we enabled the local switchgear manufacturer to deliver a flawless power distribution network.

Whether it is a university research facility or a massive industrial complex, KRIPAL continues to supply the reliable core components required to keep modern infrastructure running safely and efficiently.