The ArcZero DC connector made from mass-balanced plastic contributes to climate-friendly production
DC grids in industry enhance energy efficiency, increase efficiency coefficients, and simplify installation. Moreover, producing connection technology like the ArcZero DC connector from mass-balanced plastic amplifies these benefits through resource-efficient production.
Further more, most electronic devices and production machines use direct current, which is prevalent in both private and commercial environments despite the global use of AC grids. Although DC technology has faded, especially with the decline of DC motors in factories, it is re-emerging through intelligent DC grids. These grids reduce energy losses, improve grid quality, and better integrate renewable energies.
Direct current in production
In industry, many loads use DC links with frequency converters, thereby eliminating the need for lossy AC/DC conversion in a DC grid. Renewable energies like photovoltaics and storage systems can be integrated more efficiently. Moreover, intelligent power flow control and networking of consumption and generation sectors ensure high availability and security of supply.
Without synchronizing to the 50 Hz AC grid, you can recuperate dynamic braking energy as electrical power in the DC grid. You store surpluses and feed them back as needed, while absorbing short-term peak loads. This reduces purchased power by up to 80% and eases the load on the distribution grid.
Setting up DC grids: Sustainability starting with installation
DC grids offer cost savings through leaner installations and simplified device technology. Instead of five-core cables for AC power, only three conductors are needed: positive, negative, and protective ground.
Switching from AC to DC in power supply results in significant savings, as no rectifier is needed and fewer power electronics components are required, allowing for more compact solutions.
Product sustainability
Component sustainability also contributes to climate-friendly production. Phoenix Contact is enhancing product sustainability, offering solutions in PCB terminal blocks, connectors, and electronics housings with improved carbon footprints through process optimizations and sustainable materials, particularly plastics.
Bio-based and mass-balanced plastics
Plastics are versatile and high-performance materials used in many applications. In particular, Phoenix Contact enhances their sustainability through two approaches: bio-based and mass-balanced plastics, increasing resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Manufacturers create bio-based plastics from renewable raw materials like castor oil plants, corn, or sugar cane. As a result, they reduce dependence on fossil fuels, improve the environmental footprint, and enhance functionality.
Similarly, mass-based plastics contain renewable or recycled raw materials certified by a mass balance method. This approach utilizes existing production infrastructure and lowers the products’ carbon footprint without separating the raw materials.
The ArcZero DC connector, made from mass-balanced plastic, enables efficient and safe connection of DC loads in a factory hall, combining product and application sustainability.
ArcZero DC connector
A key difference between direct and alternating current is the electric arc during load disconnection. In AC applications, zero crossings occur 100 times per second, extinguishing arcs automatically. This doesn’t happen in DC applications, leading to more frequent damage and greater danger. The ArcZero connector actively extinguishes DC arcs using an intelligent electronic controller, ensuring user safety over many insertion cycles and enabling safe plugging and unplugging under load.
The unit’s housing, tested over many years, provides IP69 protection, IK08 impact strength, and long-term outdoor suitability. The ArcZero connector supports circuits up to 20 A and 400 V or 800 V. Moreover, it can be handled intuitively without tools. It ensures cost-effectiveness and sustainability with a high number of insertion cycles.
