OVERVIEW:
- Scalability will be key to the future success of renewable energy companies designing and deploying EV charging infrastructure, solar and wind power generation, and battery and energy storage systems (BESS)
- Large, outdoor modular enclosures simplify the configuration process and provide increased interior flexibility for power generation and energy storage sites
- Copper busbar power distribution is a space-saving solution that can be configured and customized quickly while increasing safety and efficiency
Scalability is a key concern in the energy & power space for a variety of reasons, most notably the rapid increase in the demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and renewable power generation sites in the form of wind and solar power.
Modular industrial enclosures and power distribution systems that are designed for maximum flexibility help accelerate speed to market and increase productivity and revenue. The ability to seize on the opportunity for increased revenue will be paramount for E&P companies as investments in this space are projected to reach $3.2 billion by 2040.[1]
The challenge is that EV charging stations, solar and wind power stations, and battery energy storage systems present different hurdles when creating a scalable industrial automation infrastructure. Here, we’ll look at what scalability means in each of these E&P applications, and what designers need to know about specifying enclosures and power distribution systems to help overcome these scalability obstacles.
What does scalability mean when designing EV charging infrastructure?
Scalability in designing an efficient EV charging infrastructure hinges on overcoming harsh environmental conditions. Creating consistent, reliable charging in unpredictable and intense environmental conditions like wind, rain, and extreme sunlight is key for building a robust network of EV charging stations with efficient, effective battery storage. This calls for enclosures with high NEMA and IP ratings that are designed for both protection from the elements and security from unauthorized entry.
EV charging infrastructure also needs to account for IK ratings, which are international ratings that designate an industrial enclosure’s ability to protect against external mechanical impacts. The IK rating scale ranges from IK00 — no protective ability — to IK10, which is the highest level of protection.
This high degree of protection can, at times, come at the expense of configuration flexibility and speed, both of which are key given the rapid rate at which the national EV charging station network is growing. The number of EV charging stations grew by more than 7% in the second half of 2024, and this rate of growth is expected to increase through 2030.[2] This heightens the need for enclosures and power distribution solutions that simplify and accelerate the configuration and modification process.
What are the ideal automation solutions to enhance scalability in EV charging infrastructure design?
Where scalability and durability are prized, standardized modular industrial enclosures offer the necessary environmental protection and simplified design to help companies increase charging capacity in the harshest outdoor applications.
Bayable modular enclosures also provide enhanced scalability and can help companies optimize their energy storage footprint in environments where space is limited. This is particularly important for the range of EV charging station configurations currently in use, including stand-alone and distributor charging stations.
In addition, busbar power distribution offers a more modular approach compared to traditional block-and-cable power distribution solutions, accelerating installation and deployment. Busbar can be configured quickly, modified to precise specifications, and offers simplified troubleshooting and maintenance.
What does scalability mean in designing solar and wind power generation facilities?
The challenges for designers of solar and wind power generation facilities are similar to those in the EV charging infrastructure space. Renewable energy power generation stations like those for wind and solar require an automation ecosystem that is reliable, durable, and flexible, especially given the remote nature of these sites.
The need for scalable solutions that are also reliable is mission-critical given the costs, resources, and time associated with dispatching maintenance crews to these remote locations.
Much like the EV charging sector, the continued demand for renewable energy sources means that wind and solar power generation demand is set to increase by as much as 75% in the next few years.[3] The ability to scale automation systems quickly and with as little manpower as possible can help wind and solar power companies reduce labor costs and better navigate skilled labor shortages.
What are the ideal automation solutions to enhance scalability in wind and solar power generation design?
Metallic, wall-mounted enclosures for combiner box applications and standardized large enclosures that provide interior configuration flexibility can help engineers design and build solar and wind power facilities that can withstand the elements. Plus, these types of standard large and wall-mounted enclosures also maximize productivity and uptime by alleviating frequent maintenance intervals and simplifying the configuration and customization process.
What does scalability mean in designing battery energy storage systems?
BESS applications can take a variety of forms, from stations that power data centers to grid systems that support solar and wind energy facilities. These containerized installations need to be both flexible and scalable to help meet increases in energy demand - this is particularly applicable to the data center space where the introduction of AI computing will increase energy demand by 160% by 2030.[4]
The crux of scalability in battery storage facilities is the space-saving ability of copper busbar power compared to more traditional block-and-cable power systems. Whereas traditional block-and-cable requires large power distribution blocks and cables that take up precious space inside an enclosure, copper busbar panels can be pre-configured to meet any size requirement, and they can easily accommodate and transfer low-and high-voltage currents from one point to another with minimal energy loss.
What are the ideal automation solutions to enhance scalability in battery storage applications?
Large, modular, industrial enclosures offer interior configuration flexibility and space for increased battery densities. What’s more, the simplified rack layout and ability to accommodate a wide range of rack sizes makes it easier to increase the volume of interior components with minimal downtime or production disruption.
Bayable outdoor modular enclosures enhance the ability to reduce your automation footprint without sacrificing protection, security, and durability.
Additionally, copper busbar panels can more efficiently electrify enclosures at higher amperages without risking damage or failure from increased heat levels — this also helps enhance the safety and reliability of your battery storage operation. Making the move to copper busbar power distribution can help companies increase battery storage efficiency and align with global standards in enclosure electrification.
Whether you’re designing EV charging infrastructure, a wind and solar power generation site, or battery storage facility, Rittal’s line of industrial enclosures and copper busbar power distribution solutions can help create scalable automation systems that can adapt to the transition and growth of the Energy & Power industry.
Our new Energy & Power Playbook has everything you need to know to future-proof your power generation and storage application, including recommended products and technical specifications.
Sources:
[1] Global Energy Perspective 2023: Energy Value Pools Outlook. McKinsey & Company.
[2] Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Trends. The U.S. Department of Energy.
[3] Solar and Wind to Lead Growth of U.S. Power Generation for the Next Two Years. U.S. Energy Information Administration. January 16, 2024.
[4] AI is Poised to Drive 160% Increase in Data Center Power Demand. Goldman Sachs. May 14, 2024.