Greater flexibility and scalability for all system sizes

Virtualization is not new; it was first introduced in mainframe computers in the 1960s. Since 2000, its use has grown and is now widespread in many companies. Phoenix Contact has developed a virtual industrial controller. What advantages does this solution offer for factory automation?

Efficient and safe operation with open automation solutions

Fuel cell systems are crucial for the All Electric Society, requiring efficient, reliable, and safe operation. What benefits do industrial solutions in connection technology, networking, and automation offer?

Though fuel cells have existed for over a century, they have recently gained attention for power generation. They convert the chemical energy stored in hydrogen and oxygen into electrical power, heat, and water without local pollution or noise. Additionally, fuel cells are more efficient than internal combustion engines, as they aren’t limited by Carnot efficiency.

Efficient terminal strip construction and mounting

Control cabinet builders face challenges in cost-effectiveness due to rising costs and a shortage of skilled workers. This article covers the production and mounting process of a terminal strip, from digital construction to marking and mounting, highlighting efficiency solutions for each step.

Despite increased automation in control cabinet building, mounting tasks are mainly manual. Automation is mostly used for material and work preparation, such as preparing the mounting panel and housing, cutting cable ducts and DIN rails, and preassembling wires. Manual tasks include picking components, mounting, wiring, and testing, usually done on the installed mounting panel by a qualified specialist.

Uncooled DC charging cables for realizing a wide range of charging solutions

With reliable DC charging infrastructure, charging electric cars on medium and long-distance journeys at semi-public and public stations is now practical for everyday use. Long charging times are a thing of the past.

Even with uncooled DC charging cables, charging currents up to 375 A and short charging times are achievable. Power transmission requirements vary by location and application, so optimizing the charging infrastructure makes sense for many operators. The robust Charx connect DC charging cables offer future-proof features and power versions from 150 A to 375 A.

Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) enhances modern communication infrastructures. Phoenix Contact offers a comprehensive SPE product portfolio, providing technical solutions and cross-industry expertise.

Unlike conventional Ethernet, Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) uses just one wire pair to transmit data and power. It supports transmission rates from 10 Mbps over 1,000 m to 1 Gbps over 40 m, making it ideal for demanding applications like networked sensors and camera systems. SPE overcomes previous limitations in data rates, ranges, and seamless communication.

Surge protection for up to 1.5 Gbps

As telecommunications connections speed up and the active technology (e.g., router) is now moving into meter cabinets, protecting these devices from surge voltage is crucial for stable operation even during thunderstorms. The surge protection should be easy to install and not impair transmission.

Green electricity from wind and solar power can be abundant or scarce. Power-to-X technologies store this energy as electrochemically produced hydrogen, which is converted back into electricity in fuel cells. A modular solution with AC/DC converters supports various topologies for supplying electrolysis cells with direct current, simplifying maintenance and enhancing the availability and service life of electrolysis stacks.

Single Pair Ethernet: Lean communication through to the field level of automation

Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) enables smarter, more sustainable connections, making it ideal for long-distance communication. Sensor manufacturer Jumo trusts SPE for its measurement technology, using connection solutions from Phoenix Contact, developed through close project collaboration.

“Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) enhances the use of intelligent sensors by transmitting more data, enabling profitable insights,” says Manfred Walter, product manager at Jumo. He highlights the seamless distribution of sensor information across system levels and the consistency it brings. SPE also saves cables by routing data and power via Power over Data Line (PoDL), allowing end-to-end communication from ERP to field level without media disruptions.

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.

Explosion protection and functional safety included

Power-to-X technologies are  becoming increasingly important for the All Electric Society. Compact Ex i signal conditioners with SIL 3 are vital for their safe use.

Technically, the All Electric Society offers a solution to the climate crisis and sustainable development. This vision involves using renewable electrical energy as the main, inexpensive, and abundant energy source. Achieving this requires comprehensive electrification, networking, and automation across all sectors—industry, mobility, infrastructure, buildings, and energy. Sector coupling integrates power generation, distribution, storage, and consumption into a holistic system, allowing energy exchange and optimal control through data evaluation.