Cost pressure is high in the wind energy industry. Wind turbine manufacturers face enormous challenges and need efficient solutions for constructing and operating systems. At the digital WindEnergy Hamburg trade fair from 1 to 4 December, Rittal will be showing how panel-building and switchgear manufacturers can significantly speed up their planning and manufacturing processes and get them ready for Industry 4.0, so cutting costs by up to 20 per cent. Rittal’s highlights at the trade show fair include such system solutions as the new AX and KX small and compact enclosures, the VX25 enclosure and infrastructure solutions for energy storage.
At the digital “WindEnergy Hamburg” event, Rittal will be presenting new solutions and products to allow manufacturers of control and switchgear systems to create intelligent modules to establish a fully digital value chain. “We supply all wind turbine manufacturers worldwide, directly or indirectly via panel-building and switchgear engineering. We also tap into significant cost-cutting potential through automation solutions and the digital integration of processes along the entire value chain,” says Dr. René Umlauft, Managing Director Sales at Rittal.
Consistent data is the key to success, and this helps in avoiding errors and significantly increasing productivity. Wiring and testing through to servicing lie at the heart of the system, which links every process step from engineering to enclosure machining. Better support for improved efficiency is provided by configuration tools, system technology for housings and enclosures, as well as automation solutions from wiring pre-assembly to the mechanical processing of panels and complete enclosures, along with a 24-hour delivery service within Germany.
New enclosure technology for Industry 4.0
The introduction of the new AX and KX compact and small enclosure series is a step towards meet the challenge of Industry 4.0. Such enclosures incorporate digital equipment and fit ideally into the digital value chain of panel-building and switchgear construction, so that plant constructors are even better prepared for digitisation. For example, besides the high-quality 3D data and configuration tools, QR codes on all panels to be machined simplify their integration into the production workflow. This permits state-of-the-art digital monitoring, from the receipt of incoming goods to final production.
For example, Rittal is presenting the brand new AX and KX as pacesetters in the electrical configuration of wind turbines. These small and compact enclosures can be installed more efficiently and faster and offer greater flexibility and safety. For example, doors and locking systems can usually be mounted more easily without using any tools. Another advantage is the extra space that AX and KX offer compared to the predecessor series. Optimised cut-outs and larger flange plates free up a third more space for cable entry on average.
Robust solutions for onshore and offshore
Besides all this, Rittal provides suitable enclosure technology for every function in wind turbines. The company supplies the standardised, highly robust AE compact enclosures that are ideal for pitch-control systems. The enclosures feature high material thicknesses and additional stiffening elements, as well as specially designed locking systems, reinforced mounting plates and a slip-resistant coating that is safe to walk on.
Rittal will be presenting modular solutions based on its VX25 large enclosure system for the protective accommodation of frequency converters and control and safety technology in the nacelle or tower. This meets the stringent demands for stability, vibration resistance and corrosion protection. The power electronics are protected by the VX25 enclosure technology, which is available as standard under IP 55, IK10 and Nema 12, as well as with UL approval. Moreover, Rittal’s modular Ri4Power system is also designed for the configuration of low-voltage switchgear assemblies.
Infrastructure standards for energy storage systems.
With Rittal components, users can also create infrastructure solutions for energy storage systems. The range of standardised, coordinated and globally available approved parts extends from individual enclosure systems to complete container solutions. As a result, mechanical, power-distribution and climate control solutions for system integrators and plant constructors are now available from one source.
The battery rack, with its heavy-duty shelves, can carry a load of 100 kg per shelf and has a total load-bearing capacity of up to 1,500 kg. Thanks to its design, different battery shapes can be flexibly integrated into the rack. Contacting is performed directly via the Rittal busbar system. There is also enough space for battery management in the roof area. The arrangement of energy storage enclosures - and consequently, the scaling of the storage size - is simple and possible at any time.
Finally, Rittal will show how it is driving the development of IIoT (the Industrial Internet of Things) with its own solutions and smart services: from intelligent cooling solutions and intelligent service concepts like predictive maintenance to IT infrastructure solutions such as edge data centres. This will enable companies to increase their systems’ reliability, optimise energy consumption and promote digitisation.