Safe and reliable operation with lower energy costs
A reliable power supply from renewable sources requires storing surpluses for times of low sunlight or wind. At the All Electric Society Park in Blomberg, Phoenix Contact demonstrates sector coupling for the electrification of society.
Climate change and geopolitical crises are accelerating the integration of wind and solar power into electrical power systems. However, these sources are intermittent. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) can store generated energy and supply it when needed. In Blomberg, a 1.2 MWh BESS ensures reliable operation and energy cost savings. Phoenix Contact uses its own electronic components to control the BESS, emphasizing quality, reliability, and safety. In addition, the company continues to expand its BESS portfolio, prioritizing these high standards.
Hybrid, battery-pole, and SPE connectors for a reliable connection
When creating battery storage systems, battery cells, and power electronics are usually prioritized. However, BESS systems are complex and require numerous technical components and electrical connections for power, signals, and data. Phoenix Contact offers a range of connection technology, including modular hybrid connectors that combine different connection types. These connectors can be customized to meet mechanical and electrical stability and safety requirements.
Often, people wire the systems discretely as an alternative to the hybrid approach. Battery-specific high-current connectors handle over 300 A and up to 1,500 V DC. Phoenix Contact’s battery-pole connectors, with UL 4128 approval, are widely available. For data communication, new solutions based on IEC 63171 Single Pair Ethernet standards are being established, offering robust, high-performance connectors with small sizes and high transmission capacities.
Certified hardware and software solution for feed-in control
The control cabinets, often divided into functional units, can be equipped using the Complete line range. This includes a comprehensive product portfolio for all control cabinet functions, such as uninterruptible power supplies, terminal blocks, and safety relays. The intuitive handling of these coordinated components saves time during planning, installation, startup, and maintenance, reducing operating costs.
In addition, the control systems of a BESS must communicate safely or be combined into one system. Managed switches like the FL Switch 2000 series provide necessary network functions. PLCnext Control controllers from the PLCnext Technology ecosystem integrate safety technology, eliminating the need for dedicated safety controllers. This allows for implementing standard and safety-related applications up to SIL 3 and PL e in the PLCnext Engineer environment. Using IEC 61131-3, high-level languages, and Matlab Simulink ensures faster and safer development of BESS control software.
The feed-in control system connects battery energy storage systems to the public power grid. Phoenix Contact offers a certified hardware and software system based on PLCnext Technology for users without their own solution. This system ensures low engineering effort, compliance with technical requirements, reliable operation, and easy grid connection. Intelligent automation solutions reduce operating costs, and preprogrammed software allows quick startup. Open interfaces enable customer-specific extensions.
360-degree security for protection against cyberattacks
Starting October 2024, the NIS 2 directive will tighten IT security rules for critical infrastructure operators (KRITIS). Neglecting IT security is considered negligent under this directive. Since prevention is more cost-effective than dealing with cyberattacks, Phoenix Contact offers TÜV-certified security products, services, and seminars. You can tailor these safety solutions to specific applications and requirements.
A challenge for battery energy storage systems is the international development and supply chains, with modules often developed and manufactured in distant locations. The complete solution is assembled at the user’s site, which can be anywhere globally. Manufacturers need internationally positioned partners with global expertise and production capacity. Components must meet all relevant international and local standards and have the necessary approvals.
Actively shaping the transformation to the All Electric Society
Phoenix Contact provides innovative products, solutions, and digitalization expertise for electrifying, networking, and automating economic and infrastructure sectors. Since its founding in 1923, optimizing energy flows has been a core expertise. The All Electric Society envisions abundant, affordable renewable energy. Achieving this requires comprehensive electrification, networking, and automation of all life and work areas. Phoenix Contact enables this transformation with numerous products, solutions, and services.
Read more about reliable components for battery storage systems.
