B&R is shaping the future of the energy industry
In an age of continuous technological progress and innovation, many of the challenges facing the energy industry still exist and are becoming even more complex. A reliable, affordable, efficient and sustainable supply of energy is crucial for our modern society.
In view of the energy transition and modernization, we are facing challenges ranging from combating climate change to securing a stable supply of energy for the future. As a leader in automation, B&R offers innovative solutions for the integration of new technologies for energy production, transmission, distribution and storage. B&R sets standards for energy system networking, precise data acquisition, energy measurement and energy efficiency.
Discover the many challenges facing the energy industry and find out how B&R is actively involved in shaping our future.
Energy storage systems
Energy storage systems are an essential part of the energy infrastructure, crucial for stabilizing the grid and balancing out fluctuations when generating renewable energy. These systems make it possible to ensure that the supply of power is constant and reliable. Key applications include modular, container-based systems, robust back-up systems and advanced charging infrastructures for electric vehicles. These technologies increase the efficiency of the energy supply system and support the integration of renewable energy sources.
Power-to-X
(P2X)
Power-to-X (or P2X) is a strategic approach to converting surplus electricity from renewable energies into stable forms of energy. Electrolyzers play a central role here by efficiently producing hydrogen, which is used as a storage medium and for industry. Supplemented by advanced water treatment and air separation processes, P2X systems enable sustainable storage and supply of energy. These technologies are fundamental building blocks required to meet the demand for clean energy and reduce or eliminate carbon emissions in the future.
Hydrogen-based energy production
Hydrogen-based energy production integrates hydrogen and hydrogen-based synthetic fuels in stationary and mobile fuel cells as well as in combustion engines. Fuel cells efficiently convert hydrogen into electricity and are suitable for a wide range of applications, from stationary power plants to vehicles. Combustion engines adapted to hydrogen and synthetic fuels offer environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional fuels. These technologies are crucial to reduce or eliminate carbon emissions in the future and use renewable energy more efficiently.
Specialized solutions from B&R as the engine for a sustainable future
Energy storage systems
Highly sophisticated energy storage systems are made possible by B&R's modular and scalable automation systems. The use of open standards such as OPC UA, IEC 61850 and CAN ensures cost-effective integration. This innovative technology enables flexible and efficient energy storage, even in large quantities. B&R is a pioneer in providing customized solutions for the automation of energy storage systems that are based on open standards and promote a sustainable future.
Power-to-X (P2X)
Power-to-X applications benefit from advanced automation technologies: MTP (Module Type Package) supports the integration of modules, for example to automate an electrolyzer. B&R, as a leading manufacturer, offers flexible and future-proof strategies for the overall automation of hybrid power plants with its APROL solution. By implementing these technologies, B&R ensures efficient and sustainable control of all components to enable reliable energy conversion and storage.
Hydrogen-based power generation
As a leading technology provider, B&R relies on specialized hardware for stationary and mobile hydrogen-based power generation applications. B&R solutions are UL, DNV and ATEX-compliant and vibration-resistant. The software, which is also developed by B&R, is designed to be hardware-independent. This means it can be used flexibly in stationary and mobile systems to ensure reliable and efficient hydrogen-based power generation.
Secure infrastructure
Secure infrastructures require concepts that comply with the IEC 62443 cybersecurity standard. As a leading technology supplier, B&R offers reliable solutions through the implementation of redundancy mechanisms. In addition, B&R's safety systems fulfill the highest safety certifications, such as IEC 61508, SIL 3, PL e, IEC 61800-5-2 and IEC 61784-3. These comprehensive safety standards ensure reliable protection in critical applications and underline the company's expertise as a reliable supplier in the industry.
IEC 61850 and DNP3 compliant
Intelligent, efficient and fail-safe energy supply networks and infrastructures are increasingly based on advanced automation technologies. Applications can benefit from B&R automation components as a result of seamless integration of the two leading communication standards for industrial automation and energy management – IEC 61850 and DNP3. B&R provides memory-efficient implementation, which means that only minimal storage space is required. This allows small control units to be used, even in large projects.
Intelligent yawing
B&R-patented intelligent yawing in combination with innovative automation technology enables the development next-generation wind turbines with optimized performance. As a technology supplier, B&R offers solutions specially tailored to this area. B&R's patented technology and extensive know-how underscore the company's ability to design advanced and efficient wind power systems.
UL 6200: Safety and reliability
B&R control systems for generators in power generation plants have been certified per UL 6200. This certifies the safety and reliability of the systems and underlines the commitment to the highest safety standards in energy automation. The UL 6200-certified systems are versatile and are used in wind power, biogas and power-to-X systems, for example. They play a decisive role in the optimization of generators. The certification guarantees that the systems meet the highest standards, which is of the utmost importance to customers. In North America, this certification is a prerequisite for generator control systems.
References Highlights
Designwerk offers a wide range of electric mobility solutions, including electric trucks, mobile and stationary fast chargers and modular high-voltage battery systems. The newly developed megawatt charging station uses the Megawatt Charging System and can charge electric trucks in 45 minutes. Designwerk is thus further expanding its technological leadership in the field of commercial electric vehicles.
RWE is a leading provider of renewable energy and operates wind farms, solar plants and battery storage systems. RWE plans to invest 55 billion euros in renewable energy and hydrogen technology between 2024 and 2030. The aim is to be climate-neutral by 2040 and further expand its position as a leading energy company.
PowerCell Sweden AB develops, produces and sells energy systems with fuel cell and reformer technology. With these systems, both fossil and renewable fuels are processed and converted into hydrogen, which powers the energy cells. Recently, a 3 MW fuel cell solution for a superyacht has been developed and implemented.
Proposed solutions to current challenges for a sustainable future
How can modular control platforms be used for energy storage systems and what advantages do they offer for flexible and reliable operation?
How can modular control platforms be used for energy storage systems and what advantages do they offer for flexible and reliable operation?
Modular control platforms can optimize energy storage systems. With B&R's modular X20 or X67 system, the system can be easily adapted to meet new requirements. Modules can be added or removed. No new devices need to be purchased. That saves time and money.
As requirements increase, the system can be expanded step by step: For example, with a compact CPU for a battery storage system. The optimized charging and discharging process extends the service life of the batteries. Overall energy efficiency also improves. In addition, a modular automation system requires less maintenance than a conventional system without modularity. Each module can be replaced or repaired during operation. B&R's I/O systems offer a high degree of flexibility because they can be used both inside and outside the switching cabinet.
What are the challenges that can arise when connecting energy storage systems with other systems and how can a solution with open standards contribute to more efficient and harmonious system integration?
What are the challenges that can arise when connecting energy storage systems with other systems and how can a solution with open standards contribute to more efficient and harmonious system integration?
The use of open standards such as OPC UA and IEC 61850 offers additional advantages for the integration of energy storage systems and other energy infrastructures. In this way, OPC UA can enable easy and secure data transmission between different systems. This promotes the interoperability and compatibility of energy storage systems with other systems and devices.
It also improves system performance and makes upgrades and enhancements easier. IEC 61850 is a standard for communication for the supply of electrical energy and can be used for central management and monitoring battery storage systems, for example.
How can plant performance and reliability be improved through the use of power-to-X technologies and how can SCADA and industrial control systems improve performance?
How can plant performance and reliability be improved through the use of power-to-X technologies and how can SCADA and industrial control systems improve performance?
SCADA and industrial control systems like B&R APROL improve the performance and reliability of power-to-X plants through real-time monitoring and control. This system provides advanced analysis and reporting capabilities for optimized decision making and can be customized to meet the requirements of power-to-X plants. The scalability of the system covers the entire range of applications and supports the entire life cycle of a plant.
B&R offers the right application for every requirement: Plant automation, factory automation, process control, infrastructure automation, energy monitoring, condition monitoring, advanced process control and process data acquisition. APROL enables comprehensive online performance monitoring and visualization, detailed analysis of all process data and optimized control systems that contribute to plant efficiency.
How can delays to the market introduction of power-to-X systems be avoided and how can efficient development tools accelerate the process?
How can delays to the market introduction of power-to-X systems be avoided and how can efficient development tools accelerate the process?
Efficient development tools and automated code generation shorten development time. They increase the quality and reliability of the code and make power-to-X systems easier to maintain and more scalable. Algorithms and control loops developed in specialized tools can be very quickly and accurately implemented in control programs using automatic code generation.
B&R offers a number of certified interfaces e.g. to MATLAB/Simulink or MapleSim. B&R's enhanced crossover Operating System – exOS for short – makes it possible to incorporate open-source Linux software into industrial control systems. exOS expands the possibilities of automation and facilitates the integration of power-to-X systems into existing energy infrastructures. Overall, efficient development tools, automated code generation and exOS provide a cost-effective and fast way to bring more powerful and scalable power-to-X systems to market.
How can generators be efficiently synchronized with the power grid and what are the challenges related to power generation and distribution?
How can generators be efficiently synchronized with the power grid and what are the challenges related to power generation and distribution?
Implementing a synchronization module from B&R can be the first step toward a solution. The corresponding X20 module (X20CM0985-02) enables energy metering from 120 to 480 VAC and allows simultaneous metering of two AC networks plus two additional voltages. With these functions, the module improves the stability and reliability of the power grid and ensures efficient and safe power distribution. It combines the advantages of a power measurement module with those of a synchronizer unit and is compatible with various types of power grids and energy sources. This provides greater flexibility for system integration. Due to its overcurrent resistance, the module supports 4-wire AC systems with a line-to-line voltage of up to 480 VAC and also 3-wire systems.
It can generate and store a wide range of measured values, from pure phase currents and phase-to-phase voltages to active, reactive and apparent power components. A special feature of this module is the intelligent synchronization unit, which, in addition to the phase relationship and phase-to-phase voltage, also takes into account the slew rate and other parameters when deciding whether to switch the synchronization output. Monitoring functions such as dependent overcurrent monitoring and dependent delayed unbalanced load monitoring increase the security and efficiency of the system.
- Overview of technical data:
- Energy metering from 120 to 480 VAC
- Simultaneous measurement of 2 AC mains networks plus 2 additional voltages
- For multifunction measurement tasks
- Intelligent power system synchronization unit
- Current values of generator voltage and current
- Functions according to current network guidelines; Plant automation
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