The energy revolution will significantly impact future electrical power generation and distribution since it is rapidly bringing about an All-Electric Society (AES).

Economical electrical energy produced from renewable resources, Is the primary energy source In the All-Electric Society, is which is almost inexhaustible. Comprehensive electrification, networking, and automation of all facets of the economy and infrastructure are necessary to make this future a reality.

This involves a more significant usage of non-linear or switched power producers and loads and an increasing decentralization of power generation using renewable energy sources for our power systems.

Restrict the harmonic loads and feed-ins in the transmission and distribution grid when they become more viable. This will include, among other things, an increase in measuring and safety equipment usage.

Creating more measurement points and the digital networking of signals from switchgear and substations in power distribution control systems need the conversion and modernization of current systems.

Here, measuring transducers convert high currents and voltages to quantifiable variables to acquire the measured values in the switchgear.

Terminal Blocks

Test-disconnect terminal blocks serve as the link between higher-level evaluation units, such as metering or grid protection relays, and the measured-value acquisition performed by current and voltage transformers. As part of cyclic function testing, these disconnect terminal blocks allow for direct involvement in the program.

Here, safe handling is essential, made possible by the extensive touch protection in current test-disconnect terminal blocks. These terminal blocks offer a variety of test and switching accessories in addition to the disconnect element for secure, adaptable, and practical testing.

Older systems frequently have terminal blocks with switching accessories with basic or limited touch protection. Connect the testing sockets to the non-insulated test plugs to accomodate non separating switching parts. The widely used and well-tested screw connection method has included the conductor connection. Connect the testing sockets to the non-insulated test plugs to accomodate non separating switching parts.

Meanwhile, this area has shown to have enormous potential for future growth. Modern terminal strips contain extensive, standardized accessories like the CLIPLINE complete system and the possibility of conductor connection using quick and straightforward Push-in connection technology.

Quick and easy: Conductor connection with PTV

Push-in vertical

From a physical standpoint, screw connection terminal blocks have a long history and offer certain benefits over spring-cage terminal blocks. For instance, a screw connection allows several conductor connections at a single terminal point without requiring conductor pretreatment.

However, when it comes to upgrading systems, a spring-cage connection is becoming more and more popular.

One typical explanation for this is the frequent recommendation of routine inspections for screw connections to confirm the conductor’s torque-secure connection.

Phoenix Contact secures the screw connections by providing screw terminal blocks with built-in screw-locking mechanisms and eliminates the need for further checks

However, the aforementioned restrictions do not consider the specific items applied to screw connections.

The PTV terminal block, created by Phoenix Contact, is a unique replacement for screw connection terminal blocks.

PTV, short for “Push-in vertical,” is a connection method that uses the standard Push-in connection technology. The primary distinction is in the conductor routing, which is vertical and resembles a traditional screw connection as opposed to the front wiring of Push-in connection technology.

One notable benefit is that, unlike Push-in connection technology in the past, the terminal marking is clearly visible and not covered by the conductor routing. In addition, the lateral conductor connection offers advantages during the redesign if cables are permanently fixed in existing control cabinets and cannot be removed. Maintain additional cable length in reserve to alter the front wiring of the control cabinet. Utilize the cable length if the conductor routing changes.

PTV is the contemporary version of a screw connection; however, unlike a screw connection, it does not call for regular tightness checks.

Thus, the PTV test-disconnect terminal blocks combine the benefits of a spring-loaded conductor connection with those of a screw terminal block.

Compact design

The control cabinet architecture is still crucial when replacing test-disconnect terminal blocks in existing systems since they cannot visibly outweigh the old ones in terms of length or breadth.
Due to their small dimensions, the new PTVME test-disconnect terminal blocks with vertical Push-in connections may be fitted in the location formerly held by the outdated screw connection terminal blocks.

The lateral conductor connection may still be made because of how small the terminal block is; even the clearly visible connection identifier is still placed above the conductor entrance.

Comprehensive accessories

The screwless longitudinal disconnect element on the PTVME 6/S test-disconnect terminal blocks may be adjusted to the correct switch position with a screwdriver and locked into place.

Secure an auxiliary lever to manually control the disconnect element. The printed switch symbols indicate the switch locations. Utilize the switching locks on either side of the disconnect point to avoid unintentional activation.

On either side of the disconnect point are universal double-function shafts that let you utilize different bridge, test, and switching accessories.

When retrofitting systems, practical design and setup of terminal strips are crucial since they may quickly restore availability.

Push-in spring connection technology makes wiring quicker. The documentation and planning of terminal strips can take a significant amount of time. Clipx ENGINEER is a free planning and configuration tool by Phoenix Contact used from the CAE design stage to installation

Transport is fundamental and It is crucial to take steps to make it sustainable. The mobility of the future, therefore, depends on the world adopting electric vehicles that do not emit greenhouse gases and, for this, the availability of e-mobility charging station is equally or perhaps even more important than renewing the vehicle fleet.

An e-mobility charging station, also called an electric vehicle charging station, is a system that provides electric power to charge the batteries of plug-in vehicles, whether they are electric or hybrid: cars, lorries, buses or motorcycles, whether they are shared or private. You can find such charging stations in many public areas, such as shopping malls, parking lots, streets, etc.

According to a Bloomberg report there will be 116 million electric vehicles on our roads by 2030 and they will account for 30 % of sales. Developing charging point infrastructure in the current decade is crucial to accomodate the demand of electric vehicle sales.

Electric car charging stations and home chargers must meet high standards of availability, safety, and comfort based on the field of application. Complex structures made up of numerous small parts are no rarity. Developers and design engineers face technical challenges and questions about wiring, power supply, controllers, and communication links.

To tackle these questions, Phoenix Contact has published five new videos to the technical support channel on YouTube. They provide clear explanations on technical topics as well as the interaction between individual electronic and electrical engineering components – focusing on the typical requirements of a networked e-mobility charging infrastructure. The videos also convey basic information about charging technology, such as charging standards and connector types.

You’ll find our YouTube playlist at phoe.co/construction-charging-station.

Cloud computing is becoming increasingly popular as more and more companies use its services to store their data. The following article outlines the important considerations:

Traditionally, IT fields are outsourcing services to the cloud rapidly. It is better to opt for external services to an in-house team for a cloud-first strategy. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) are three types of cloud services, with industrial cloud services focused on applications.

IT departments frequently use cloud services centered on specific use cases utilized by the whole organization. Industrial cloud services are of decentralized design. We observe a more detailed overview of an automation system consisting of components from many suppliers that will use various cloud solution features. Furthermore, it is important to determine the issue of how to handle such an idea. The use of industrial cloud services thus calls for a methodical strategy.

The interaction between field equipment and the offered services gives industrial cloud services their value (SaaS). This form of communication requires transfer of data between these two end points. Furthermore, It is theoretically feasible to establish a communication connection between the field device installed in the automation system and the cloud service.

An alternative is to utilize a cloud gateway that combines the communication connection from one or more field devices to the cloud service. This leads to a variety of connection solutions because of the different services available.

As a result, a condition monitoring program that uses one-way data transfer to monitor the state of a machine or component will need to be set up differently from, a remote maintenance connection.

Different threats

Different dangers are present in each of the many application scenarios. There is a chance that a one-way transfer of information from the field to the cloud might unintentionally become accessible. Hence, the field device acquires more more information than allowed.

Possibly intercepting data transfer prevents storage information disclosure. In this instance, altering the data would impact how it has been used in the cloud service but would not immediately affect the operation in the field.

Additional hazards arise because data or commands may be tampered with which may potentially cause damage at the field level. Another possibility for the attacker is performing an ad-hoc alteration at the field level, maybe outside a maintenance window.

No control with direct encryption

There are several ways to combat the threats mentioned. However, it is essential to take the cloud service into account. What data is being used? What services should I use? Can the communication occur across the business network or does it require a dedicated connection?

Assess the security features of the cloud service and the related provider: Are you operating the service using a secure development procedure? Do you have a security management system? The examination must also consider the security of the underlying platform and infrastructure.

encrypting Internet-based communication interactions is automatic. This strategy protects the data by safeguarding any simultaneous communications between the IDs, passwords, and access tokens. The lack of control by the operator over the connection creates an obstacle for directly encrypted connections between field devices and the cloud.

This situation is generally tolerable provided the required level of confidence can be established between the contractual parties as part of the security assessment and if the operator can set up the field device appropriately.

Example application scenarios

Below are some examples of industrial cloud services and how to secure them:

Cloud gateway

The gateway’s operator has control over data gathering, local processing, and subsequent transmission. The cloud gateway also relieves and decouples the field devices in this manner. The NAMUR international organization has specified a security gateway for the process industry sector in its suggestion 177 (1), which, because of its technological attributes, guarantees that the monitoring application has no bearing on the field level.

Monitoring levels of wear

When activated, the protective device is susceptible to wear, therefore, condition monitoring replaces it in a timely manner. Cloud gateway reads out the impact-free data.

Energy monitoring

An energy monitoring system that does not require the maximum level of secrecy may gather and analyze large amounts of data, making use of a cloud service possible. The measuring devices capture the energy data and send it via the one-direction MQTT protocol to the cloud service (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). The user can review and call it up there.

Device management

The security increases to actively regulate the field device using the device management system. Therefore, assess the security needs before using a cloud service.

One of the main difficulties the metalworking industry has had to overcome over the past 50 years is producing “lead-free.” Phoenix Contact recognized their responsibility to decrease lead exposure early on in order to safeguard public health and the environment. We set this objective with the intention of significantly improving life quality. To accomplish this, the company tried numerous of its own production methods as well as dozens of other materials.

Lead is a heavy metal that harms human health and builds up in the environment and in living things. Therefore, most products and fuels no longer contain it.

For the producers of electronic goods, this fundamental revolution is still to come. Phoenix Contact already established this goal for itself early on and will be able to provide lead-free versions of the majority of its circular connection product line this year.

Every product, every process under scrutiny

Phoenix Contact project participants have been collaborating across regions for many years to find appropriate materials and modify production techniques. To explore this subject from scientific perspective, Phoenix Contact participated in research project started at the RWTH Aachen University. For diverse lead-free copper alloys, the participants here established fundamental processing techniques. This served as the foundation for the technology’s real development at the Blomberg facility.

The investigations revealed, among other things, that alloys without lead performed chip breaking less effectively than those that did. Lead not only enables good chip breaking in normal industrial production processes, but it also facilitates cold forming and ensures simple lubrication in the material. Without lead, these characteristics deteriorate.

From that point on, production and the technology laboratory had to constantly exchange ideas in order to find the ideal material, which had a scientific basis. For instance, if a copper alloy contained less zinc, its machinability attributes increased but its capacity for cold forming declined. The crimp connections were the focus of the product designers’ attention since they needed to have strong electrical conductivity, be long-lasting, and also have good machining and cold-forming capabilities. The search was a delicate balancing act that called for close coordination between suppliers, technological labs, product developers, and the department in charge of series production.

Phoenix Contact made an investment in its own production equipment for its test series using lead-free alloys to prevent continued production from slowing down due to intensive material testing. The business even created a brand-new method for chip cracking and submitted a patent application.

The European RoHS Directive

European RoHS directive have already restricted or even outright banned several substances that negatively impact environment. However, certain dangerous compounds are not yet replaceable due to their technical characteristics. For example, lead is still authorized in Exception 6c in Annex III of Directive 2011/65/EU up to a mass percentage of 4%. RoHS Directive set an end to this exception on July 21, 2021. From that point on, it would have been illegal to sell electrical and electronic equipment in Europe if the material included more lead than 0.1 percent.

Similar laws are in place in several nations. The “China-RoHS,” ensures equivalent material bans in China, whereas Switzerland has passed the ChemRRV (Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance). Lead is on the list of compounds of concern in the “Japan RoHS,”. However, South Korea has accepted a significant portion of European standards in the “Korea RoHS.” In the United States, similar regulations are also in the works. Phoenix Contact has finished the technical and process engineering preparations needed to offer lead-free products, regardless of whether the European Union renews the exclusion clause or not.

Changing processes soon enough

The switch to lead-free copper alloys for the electronics sector is a massive undertaking, much like the switch to unleaded fuels. It would take decades to complete the work required, not years. The responsible planners must quickly adjust electronic equipment and take lead-free components into account while planning. Anyone designing products today who does not want to painfully renew certifications for the product in the coming years should take the RoHS issue into account early on when choosing components.

Given this, Phoenix Contact is already in compliance with current legal specifications and demands. Developers can already plan future-proof devices that simultaneously safeguard both the environment and people. To this purpose, thousands of products already have lead-free versions available.

There is currently a sizable assortment of lead-free circular connectors available from Phoenix Contact. Thanks to the constant expansion of the metric M5 to M58 series a nearly lead-free product range will be accessible.

Asynchronous motors are supplied via over-dimensioned frequency converters (FCs). Since a speed starter’s noteworthy advantages include quick installation and starting, it is perfect for simple programs with few functionality.

Industrial plants contain a large number of electric motors. The majority of motors carry out straightforward functions, such as moving things or liquids from one location to another or carrying out the necessary processes.

Logistics centers, machines, and systems perform these tasks. A motor is operated in a variety of ways. Nowadays, frequency converters are employed in the majority of applications, particularly when soft starts or varied speeds are necessary.

Frequency converters are intricate machines that perform several tasks but are frequently oversized. This is due to the fact that their most prevalent applications at the moment usually include straightforward activities that simply demand for two fixed speeds and/or a ramp function with a gentle start and soft stop of the motor.

Safe shutdown up to SIL 3 and PLE

A device class between motor starters and frequency converters is provided by the new speed starter from the Contactron product family. The small solution provides all required features in a single housing and impresses with its simple operation:

• Direct start of asynchronous motors
• Reversing start
• Full motor protection
• Different speed settings
• Soft start and soft stop of the motor
• Safe stop with Safe Torque Off

The device has several benefits for the user, but its built-in Safe Torque Off (STO) capability allows for a safe shutdown up to safety levels SIL 3, PL e, and Cat 4. There is a substantial space savings in the control cabinet due to the small housing dimensions, which have an overall width of only 35 millimeters.

Easy wiring and an intuitive operation concept ensure quick installation and startup. As a consequence, it is possible to adopt a cost-effective solution using the speed starter from the Contactron product family, which has all the essential features for varying speeds and soft start.

In the most common uses, an emergency stop switch must be able to securely stop rotating and moving parts, for instance, in the event of a jam or an emergency. Use the Contractron series’ quick starter to design a redundant system and prevent malfunction, hence, ensuring safety.

Therefore, a second contactor is not necessary for a safe motor shutdown. On the controller side, use the STO+ and STO- connectors to accomplish a two-channel shutdown . With only a short installation area, the Contractron fast starter achieves safety classifications SIL 3, PL e, and Cat. 4.

Quick startup in less than a minute

Machine manufacturer can offer a more competitive solution and speedup the application installation by using Phoenix Contact’s speed starters.

To start the motor and apply a control signal to an adjustable fixed speed, you must wire the load input and output. The motor can then start operating right away. It must be possible to customize the parameters for the appropriate application, of course. The user-friendly operating idea, which consists of a display, five LEDs, two up and down buttons, a set/reset button, and a rotary switch, accomplishes this.

Setting the motor’s nominal current is the first step in protecting it against overload. As a result, it is no longer essential to install an additional motor protection relay. Set the rotary switch to the “Current” position and input the desired value by using the up and down buttons. Verify the value by pushing the set/reset button. When a value is changed, it immediately begins to flash in the display. The value is always visible after saving. It is also simple to adjust the ramp time, or the amount of time the motor takes to reach the desired speed.

To achieve this, the user simply moves the rotary switch to the “Ramp” position, inputs the new value using the up or down button as previously mentioned, and saves it by pushing the set/reset button.

Different versions for different requirements

Set the rotary switch to “Status” to view electrical values such as frequency, current, voltage, temperature, etc. Use the same method to adjust the speed.

Set the speed to the “Speed1” position and select the correct frequency value by using the up and down buttons. Verify your selection by pushing the set/reset button.

The LEDs flash in the “R” or “L” direction of rotation, which is also selectable with the up or down button and remembered by pressing the set/reset button. Repeat this procedure to facilitate a second speed:

1. Move the rotary switch to the “Speed2” position.
2. Specify the value using the up or down button.
3. Press the set/reset button to confirm.

If desired, the user can make additional settings by turning the rotary switch to the “Options” position.

For single-phase and three-phase load input, the speed starters of the Contactron series offers performance classes ranging from 0.25 to 1.5 kilowatts, with or without an integrated EMC filter. The devices with filters built in come with a plug-in, changeable fan, whereas the ones without filters only have a heatsink.

In conclusion, fast starters are a convenient option appropriate for a variety of uses. Users gain from a device class positioned between motor starters and frequency converters under the tagline “Connect, set, start.”

Digitalization has made its way into power generation plants and substations, thus, creating a new challenge for system planners. With this new challenge comes high volumes of data that needs to be transferred from central to remote stations. These stations are often located in harsh environments.

System planners typically use copper cables at power generation plants and electrical substations. However, with digitalization, the data volumes reach to an extent that copper cables cannot handle. System planners are therefore switching to Fiber Optic (FO) cabling systems. The FO cables are 90 percent lighter and thinner – allowing for longer transmission paths and higher data rates.

Planning a FO cabling system is a complicated process involving complex implementation. From selecting the right connection technology to the corresponding tools. Trained specialist personnel need to select the right equipment for this technology and for the field assembly.

Time is money! Hiring a specialist personnel from a specialist company is time consuming. In this case, your own personnel can use a Plug and Play system to do the same job – without tools. Working in such harsh environments, also require a high degree of protection for connection components, such as IP67.

Phoenix Contact offers the perfect solution combining the strengths of the M17 circular connector with those of a FO infrastructure.

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Application-compatible power supply are necessary for a future-oriented infrastructure, whether it be for telecommunications or train technology. With an input voltage range of 230 V AC to 400 V DC, the new Trio Power power supply offers a high-power density, parallel mode, and a highly durable electrical and mechanical architecture. As a result, it completes Phoenix Contact’s extensive line of power products and is perfect for infrastructure transitions, such as those in train technology.

Digital signal towers: new decentralized structure for railway technology.

Denmark, Norway, Germany, and other nations have decided to digitalize their railroads in order to advance the development of the European Train Control System (ETCS) and digital control tower technology. Along with further network extension and the employment of cutting-edge technologies, digitization is a crucial component in modernizing the rail system and, more importantly, in boosting performance.

German trains will need to adapt for a digital future, moving from traditional signal technology to radio-controlled train operation and utilizing cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence. Such technologies will enable fully automated train operation, real-time control, and accurate location in the future. Deutsche Bahn and the German Railway Industry Association established this industry wide Digitale Schiene Deutschland (Digital Tracks in Germany) program to accomplish this.

It is vital to upgrade not just the systems themselves but also the infrastructure, control, and safety technology in order for the digital technologies to coexist peacefully. By 2035, the integrated command and control system (iLBS), digital control towers (DSTW), and the full rollout of the ETCS will have completed this fundamental reform.

Increased capacity, optimal use of the rail network, and the change of transportation will all be significantly aided by modernization.

Obstacles to implementing railway technology

It is significant to remember that the components for railway technology are subject to tremendous stress in addition to the technological and structural constraints. Particularly when it comes to solutions for switch, signal, and barrier management as well as communication technologies close to the track, a sturdy component design is crucial.

Why do power supply in control cabinets near to railroad tracks need to be so strong? High needs are brought on by harsh climatic factors including extreme heat or cold, dampness, and dust. A high level of interference and vibration resistance is also required due to the high voltages and vibrations near the control cabinets. Long service life and a compact, low-maintenance design are further prerequisites for success in railway technology applications. It is necessary to adhere to the applicable criteria.

The design of systems and infrastructure in German railway technology focusses on telecommunications technology. In the future, 48 V will replace the 24 V operating voltage currently used for controllers—such as for switch controls and an extra 48 V voltage level—as the typical main voltage.

Trio Power Supply: Robust and reliable

Phoenix Contact’s Trio Power power supply exceeds exacting standards and was created primarily for use in infrastructure applications. The new power supply is ideal for use in these applications due to its shock and vibration resistance and sturdy mechanical and electrical architecture. Use the IEC 60068-2-64 standard and the railway-specific DIN EN 50125-3 standard to measure the equipment’s vibration resistance. This indicates that the equipment functions dependably even when traveling very quickly.

The new power supplies’ wide temperature range allows for a significant degree of flexibility in terms of potential applications. When exposed to temperatures between -25 and +70 °C, the power supply units are dependable and produce high power.

The Trio Power power supply has strong mechanical components as well as dependable and enduring electronics. The result is that the devices are input-side voltage-proof up to 300 V AC and 420 V DC. Another safety feature is overvoltage protection VP (OVP), which restricts overvoltage to 58 V DC. Furthermore, use control card with a protective lacquer covering to use the devices on 48 V applications subjected to heard weather conditions.

Use Trio Power supply in numerous supply networks worldwide as they come complete with an AC and DC wide-range input.

The power supply contain a dynamic power reserve that allows them to start heavy loads with reliability. For up to five seconds, they provide 1.5 times the nominal current. They also guarantee a high level of energy efficiency due to their high efficiency rating. Link multiple power supplies to generate more power. The devices’ enhanced load distribution allows for parallel operation for increased power and redundancy. Reduced inrush current improves availability even more and makes primary protection much simpler.

Challenges in telecommunications and infrastructure technology

Numerous applications, including artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous driving (Car2x communication), and intelligent production (Industry 4.0) need a quick, efficient, and secure infrastructure.

The existing 5G technology is being expanded to deliver this, and the follow-up technology is already off to a start.

The pressures on technology and systems are increasing as mobile data traffic between smart devices gets faster and more intense. Design network and communication technologies for infrastructure in order to be future proof.

Autonomous driving illustrates these connections. Share maximum amounts of data in real time between the vehicles and the transportation infrastructure to reduce traffic accidents Communication systems need powerful computers and operate at rapid rates to transmit and assess data.

The forthcoming 6G technology will have exceptionally fast data rates, albeit at the expense of transmission distance. The terahertz waves utilized for 6G also have wave properties that are more similar to infrared light than microwaves. The likelihood of redirected and obstructed waves passing through objects increases, particularly in urban settings. Future infrastructures will need numerous sending and receiving technologies to handle these issues.

Ensure a compact, maintenance-free, and environment-proof power source, such as a Phoenix Contact’s Trio Power with a wide input voltage range and 48 V DC voltage by using a dependable power supply on these decentralized systems, such as radio masts and transmitting and receiving systems.

Modern terminal block systems deliver high performance and are available in many versions but their installation and configuration are very laborious and time-consuming. This is where Phoenix Contact’s PTFIX distribution block system comes into place offering a variety of options for optimization.

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Water and wastewater applications and PLCnext Technology

“With increasing awareness of climate change and sustainability in society, the focus is increasingly turning to water management. New challenges such as falling water table levels, increasing pollution, micro-plastics, and increasing storms are causing an increase in requirements. Solutions from Phoenix Contact are increasing the level of transparency, efficiency, and resource conservation.”

Phoenix Contact develops automation, communication, and remote control technologies for all forms of water treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants. From the control room, through the network and control level, all the way to the field devices and machines. Our customer-specific and ready-to-use solutions are based on an open system and open interfaces that guarantee future-readiness.

Automation of a waterworks and wastewater treatment plants, require new levels of transparency and efficiency for these processes. Furthermore the automation is necessary to meet the requirements of future challenges of a digitalized world.

PLCnext Technology as a basis for solutions in the water and wastewater sector

PLCnext Solution App – PumpStation Control

Application

Pumping stations are mostly de-central facilities including pumps and equipment for pumping fluids from one place to another. A variety of infrastructure systems, use them while equipped with electrical instrumentation to detect the level of wasterwater. These include canal water supply, drainage of deeper areas, and wastewater disposal from processing plants. When the wastewater level in the shaft rises to a pre-defined level, the pump starts lifting the wasterwater up in a sewage system.

Solution idea

Ready-to-use solution app to control and monitor a typical pumping station with up to three pumps. You can download the app from the PLCnext Store and download it directly to a PLCnext Control. The PLCnext Control uses standardized I/O modules and interfaces to collect the data from the field level. The app contains industry-specific functions. You can set the parameters via the integrated PLCnext eHMI. The eHMI also visualizes all important information about the pumping station. The integrated Proficloud interface transmits all important information, alarms and operating data to a dashboard or to the customers’ scada system. In addition, you can send all data directly to the customer’s scada system via OPC UA. Read more…

Water Functions – the process library
for water management

Application

Water management technologies and procedures are constantly being developed and adapted. Due to the changing conditions, process systems are subject to a continuous process of change.

This requires existing systems to be optimized and adapted in order to ensure the best possible supply and cost-effectiveness for operations. With a modern and efficient solution, you will meet these these challenges.

Solution

Water Functions, the process library for water management, enables you to ensure the efficient engineering of your systems based on preprogrammed function blocks. The library contents range from a basic function for the simplest applications to complex drive, valve, and measurement blocks as well as blocks for connection to a SCADA system. Water Functions includes function block and HMI libraries for PLCnext Engineer which supplement the PLCnext Technology from Phoenix Contact with useful functions for the water and wastewater treatment. The Water Functions libraries are the continuation of the old Waterworx library on the classic system with many useful functions such as regulation, control of field devices like motors and valves and many others for process automation.

A wide range of technologies, such as PROFIBUS, PROFINET, Modbus, and OPC UA, allow the user to integrate new and existing field devices into the overall system without any problems. Thanks to close cooperation with manufacturers of typical field devices for the water management industry, the user is able to integrate field devices in an efficient, verified manner.

Thanks to the continuous further development of the Water Functions process library, the number of possible connections is constantly growing.

Join our live webinar on Tuesday 6th April to find out more and learn how our sophisticated system solutions for water supply and wastewater treatment, can help you reach your goal of sustainable market success and experience long-term success.

For more information, please contact Pradeep Menon at pmenon@phoenixcontact.com.

We continued to make significant investments even in 2020, the year of the coronavirus. A total of around 150 million euros will be invested in new structures and innovations. In Nanjing, China, a building complex at a second location near the airport is nearing completion. About ten kilometers away, a new production building with its own logistics facilities of around 34,000 m² of floor space has been built in Mozhou, Nanjing’s newly developed industrial area. A housing complex for employees was also built. Together with a company restaurant, this adds an additional 7,750 m². Phoenix Contact has also invested in Russia and is now part of Europe’s largest technology park in Skolkovo, with 2.6 million m² of space. Here, industrial companies, research laboratories, start-ups, and a university offer a unique high-tech combination.

At the Blomberg site, the logistics unit was expanded while operations continued. Nine additional shelving aisles now offer 64,000 new storage spaces. The additional workstations will increase order picking performance by up to 40 percent. The investment amounts to 15 million euros.

With an investment of 6 million euros, the new logistics building in Herrenberg was completed in the first quarter of 2020. At 2,900 m², the new facilities provide an automated small parts warehouse (AKL) and a pallet rack warehouse. The relocation of the warehouse allows production to be expanded into the space previously occupied by logistics. Phoenix Contact E-Mobility has also further expanded its production capacities. In Germany, a new production area of 5000 m² is being occupied. In addition, a new production plant with an area of 15,000 m² is being built in Poland. Corporate spending on research and development is more than seven percent and has continued to increase slightly compared to 2019. The number of employees worldwide will be around 17,500 in 2020, unchanged from 2019.

Empowering an All Electric Society

The described activities in all company divisions all serve the goal of making Phoenix Contact an essential partner in a challenging future. We tie our future as a company to the global prospect of sustainable energy production. Climate change, reducing the levels of CO2, the growing world population, and a predicted doubling of the world’s energy demands by 2050 ‒ to meet these challenges, doing without and refraining from things are not enough. New technological approaches are needed. We believe that the world is indeed facing an energy revolution that will usher in the end of the fossil fuel age: A society whose entire energy demands are covered by electricity generated from renewable sources, a completely CO2-free energy supply. This vision has the potential of eliminating the unavailability of energy as one of the world’s most important barriers to economic development, without destroying our natural resources in this endeavor. For years, we have been supporting our customers in areas such as energy efficiency or furthering renewable power generation systems by expanding them and connecting them to the grid. In factory automation and infrastructure, we help with the electrification, networking, and automation of essential structural and production-related elements. We need to expand these efforts greatly in the coming years if the vision of a world powered by a renewable energy supply is to become reality. Additional important aspects will arise, though:

One of the decisive factors will be what is known as sector coupling. We must ensure that the network combines all the energy-generating, consuming, and storing sectors of industry and business as well as of private households and municipal areas. Surplus energy must be stored. This means through conventional means or, in the future, through more “Power-to-X” applications in which hydrogen is produced and stored by means of electrical energy through water electrolysis, which can be converted back into heat or electrical energy by fuel cells or traditional generators when energy requirements increase. In the same way, the hydrogen could be further processed into “green fuels” to serve as regenerative fuel for aircraft. Networked solutions help to bring surplus energy generated at one location to the places where it is currently needed. And this is exactly where we see our contribution as a company. With our solutions, we can contribute to solving major global and social problems and, at the same time, participate in economic development.

Mechanical products such as terminal blocks form the basis for the electrification of industries – the starting point of Phoenix Contact’s corporate development. Thanks to digital item descriptions, these terminal blocks can be efficiently integrated into planning and engineering tools. This is one of the basic prerequisites for the digitization and automation of systems. This is how terminal blocks also make the industries smart.

New communication technologies such as 5G, SPE, and TSN form the basis for the intelligent networking of industries. Using these technologies is the only way to ensure that data points in various sectors can be networked securely, simply, and quickly. We develop all these technologies further and apply them.

Phoenix Contact’s vertical market management aims at developing applications and using them to benefit an All Electric Society. It also benefits factory automation, where the long formulated demand for Industry 4.0 has been described in principle, but is far from being used in daily industrial operations. In the vast infrastructure segment, ranging from smart buildings to smart cities and all forms of smart traffic, there is still a long way to go. This is especially true for sector coupling, which describes how forms of energy can be exchanged efficiently and combined among the individual sectors. Examples range from simple ones, such as combining solar power and electric storage or electrically powered vehicles, up to power-to-gas offshore platforms that convert wind power into hydrogen on site and distribute the energy via pipeline or store it as liquefied gas. This brings us to a rapidly changing world of process technology. In addition to efficiency and modularization issues in the chemicals and pharmaceuticals sector, the oil & gas sector will certainly see the most significant changes. The major oil companies have long understood this and are resolutely moving to alternative strategies for producing and distributing energy. There is also a high demand for electrification, networking, and automation for completely new applications in this sector. This also applies to the energy sector, of course. A changing energy production also needs new structures and processes for distributing and storing energy. Today’s networks are designed so that energy is generated at comparatively few points (power stations), fed into the transport network at high and extra-high voltage, converted to medium voltage, and then distributed further in the distribution grid. After the energy is further converted to low voltage, the actual consumers are supplied by secondary substations. But what if more and more consumers also become producers? What if more and more wind parks and solar parks feed in at the medium-voltage level, where until now energy was “just” distributed? In short, the demands for expanding the energy network will be great and Phoenix Contact will lend support with an ever-growing range of services and applications as a solution partner.

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