Standards and data-driven automation for energy transition
Herborn/Monheim, 28 January 2025
Renewable energy usage and energy storage capacities continue to grow. Despite a shortage of skilled workers, grid operators are rapidly expanding their infrastructure to provide intelligent networks for energy transition. At the E-world in Essen, EPLAN and Rittal will present solutions using engineering and system technology standards to accelerate plant construction in the energy sector. EPLAN focuses on engineering standards for grid infrastructure components like transformer stations and renewable energy solutions. With support from EPLAN and Rittal, standardised data, system technology, and digital continuity from engineering to automated production to service form the basis for an efficient restructuring of energy systems.
Power is the order of the day at the E-world in Essen. Around 900 exhibitors from 30 nations will be showcasing their offers for the energy sector from 11 to 13 February. EPLAN and Rittal will also be there to demonstrate innovative solutions as their contribution to a rapid and cost-efficient energy transition. “The main course of action is to industrialise entire process chains," says Verena Freund, Solutions Sales Management Energy at Rittal. “The infrastructure expansion can gain the pace it urgently needs through consistent data, coordinated software, system technology and suitable automation solutions.”
Data consistency makes all the difference
“For a digital workflow to be truly effective, data must be accurate – right from the start. Experience in mechanical engineering, which already has a high degree of industrialisation, shows the potential that exists. Now we want to bring these opportunities for boosting efficiency and acceleration to the energy sector – right up to ‘automated engineering’,” explains Stephanie Kudak, Vertical Market Manager Energy at EPLAN. In Essen, visitors can expect bundled EPLAN expertise on digital twins for substations, transformer stations, energy storage or charging infrastructure, which has already passed practical tests.
Energy transition: data packages make implementation easier
A compact transformer station with pre-planned project documentation being displayed in Essen makes it clear how implementation can be achieved with EPLAN. The planning and designing of the transformer station with a medium and low-voltage system is presented; this is available in the EPLAN Cloud as a standard industrial project. In practice, it can be used to plan grid stations or develop complete decentralised energy systems in a more standardised manner. A special equipment and parts list, considered necessary in the energy sector, is also supplied as default.
Various systems can be planned in EPLAN; this is an example of a charging park that forms part of the charging infrastructure for renewable energies.
At the E-world in Essen, EPLAN and Rittal are jointly presenting tailor-made solutions for the energy sector based on the efficient interaction of engineering, system technology and automation.
Assembled in half the time: RiLineX, an open platform system for 60-mm busbar systems based on standard busbars that are available everywhere.
Power distribution made easy: RiLineX
In Essen, Rittal is presenting RiLineX, a new platform for 60-mm busbar systems for power distribution. The “click-on” system made up of boards and components simplifies the previously time-consuming construction of power distribution in enclosure population, with time savings of as much as 30% in engineering and 50% in installation. Rittal is also promoting standardisation with a consistent platform approach. A platform ecosystem with technology partners was started even before sales began. Manufacturers of devices and components also receive the interface data needed for product development. The relevant system data is already stored in EPLAN Pro Panel.
RiPower also offers digital support for planning: The configuration software accelerates the safe planning and construction of low-voltage switchgear and collaboration on a cloud platform, thanks to simplified workflows. Specialist planners and switchgear manufacturers receive straightforward support when planning their systems. Climate control is a crucial factor, especially with a high power density in the enclosure. Planners using the RiTherm software can deploy data from EPLAN and integrate the climate control requirements into the seamless planning process.
