Bridging the toughest energy challenges, Negal Engineering AG delivers solutions where others see impossibility. From pioneering renewable energy storage to revolutionising power electronics, the organisation’s innovations drive efficiency, sustainability, and reliability – reshaping industries and empowering a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
For nearly three decades, Negal Engineering AG has been at the forefront of groundbreaking advancements in power electronics. Established in 1995 by Ralf Negele, the organisation has earned a reputation as a pioneer in developing cutting-edge solutions for complex challenges. The company’s ethos is rooted in pushing boundaries, adopting the latest technologies and methodologies to continually redefine industry standards and improve operational efficiency.
From a Childhood Passion to a Legacy of Innovation
The story of Negal Engineering AG begins with its founder and CEO, Ralf Negele, whose passion for electronics started early. “I started experimenting with electronics when I was about seven or eight years old,” he recalls. “I’d take things apart to understand how they worked, often frustrating my relatives when their gifts didn’t stay in one piece for long. But for me, this wasn’t play – it was learning, and it eventually became my life’s work.”
Ralf’s early experiences were marked by a curiosity that would shape his career. Self-teaching the fundamentals of electronics, his hands-on experimentation evolved into formal education. After completing an apprenticeship as an electronics technician and further studies as an electronics engineer, Ralf worked for several leading firms. This background helped him cultivate technical expertise and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Ralf founded Negal Engineering AG in 1995. Initially small, the company quickly built a reputation for tackling challenges that others deemed unsolvable. This drive to solve complex problems became its defining trait.
A Comprehensive Approach to Power Electronics
Today, Negal Engineering AG provides a full suite of services, from consultation on circuit design to the realisation of fully functional products. Whether crafting specification sheets, designing prototypes, or facilitating mass production, its expertise has enabled it to become a trusted partner in developing groundbreaking technologies. The company tailors its services to meet the unique needs of each client, delivering effective solutions in industries where standard products simply do not suffice. To date, Negal Engineering AG has successfully developed sophisticated control and power electronics solutions for more than 50 companies worldwide.
Trailblazing Innovations: Ahead of the Curve
Negal’s legacy of innovation is exemplified by its early adoption of active rectification technology. As early as 1995, the company implemented this technology – before it gained mainstream industry acceptance. This forward-thinking approach allowed Negal to remain ahead of the curve, delivering state-of-the-art solutions to clients well before they became industry standards.
A standout achievement is the development of a highly dynamic power supply capable of modulating a 4kV amplitude within 200µs. This technology is used in plasma modulation, a crucial application in material science and physics. It showcases Negal Engineering’s AG capacity to address challenges requiring precision and innovation.
Additionally, the company has made significant strides in medical technology by designing shock wave generators that produce pulses of 4kA at 25kV for applications like bone and wound healing. These shock wave generators reflect Negal’s commitment to advancing medical technologies using power electronics for healthcare.
Sustainability: Powering a Greener Future
At the heart of Negal’s operations lies a steadfast commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company’s dedication to green technologies has positioned it as a pioneer in renewable energy and energy storage systems.
As early as 2009, the organisation developed small wind power inverters designed for home applications, allowing consumers to harness wind energy. By 2019, the company expanded its efforts to industrial-scale renewable energy solutions, including a horizontal rotor system capable of generating several hundred kW. This technology was featured on the Swiss television programme *Einstein*, demonstrating the organisation’s potential to revolutionise energy generation for large-scale applications.
Negal Engineering AG has also led efforts in energy storage innovation. Collaborating with partners in England and Switzerland, the company is involved in a groundbreaking project to store surplus energy in private-sector batteries. This AI-powered energy storage system integrates weather forecasting to optimise energy flow and stabilise the grid using small-scale power plants.
A further energy storage initiative involves DC bus networks, eliminating inefficiencies caused by the conversion between direct and alternating currents. Using direct current exclusively, this system reduces energy loss, integrates solar installations with MPP trackers, and utilises environmentally friendly salt accumulators. Unlike lithium-based solutions, which rely on rare and harmful materials, salt accumulators use materials like nickel and salt, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Negal Engineering AG has also made significant strides in drive technology. One of the company’s most notable innovations is a linear motor control system for large ship diesel engines, which precisely manages fuel injection using linear motors that accelerate at approximately 40G. This system achieves positioning accuracy within 200µm, optimising fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
During harbour operations, where engines power auxiliary systems, Negal’s solution allows engines to run at reduced speeds down to six rpm while maintaining low emissions – crucial for reducing the environmental impact of shipping. This technology not only saves fuel but also contributes to environmental compliance, helping maritime operations meet stringent emissions standards.
Illuminating the Future of LED Technology
In the competitive LED driver market, the organisation has carved unique niches. Recently, the company designed a three-channel GaN LED driver for agricultural applications, providing optimal light conditions for plant growth. Incorporating sleep and wake-up lighting cycles, this system promotes healthy growth while minimising energy usage, a key consideration for sustainable agriculture.
The organisation’s innovative LED driver solutions have also been integrated into various modes of public transportation. These systems improve energy efficiency and lighting quality in trains, buses, trams, and subways, enhancing the passenger experience while reducing operational costs.
A Vision for the Future
Negal Engineering AG’s enduring success is a testament to its unwavering dedication to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. The company’s ability to embrace complexity and deliver unparalleled solutions continues to set it apart in the competitive landscape of power electronics. As the organisation moves forward, it remains committed to developing technologies that push the boundaries of possibility and contribute to a more sustainable, resilient world.
The information above offers a brief glimpse into Negal Engineering AG’s diverse range of services and solutions. For more detailed descriptions of its expertise across various sectors, product specifications, and contact details, please visit the company’s website at: https://www.negal.ch/en
