When it comes to converting energy systems, power distribution and control technology is a key element. Companies that can manufacture and deliver this technology quickly, despite the skills shortage, have an opportunity for growth. To support its customers in this, Rittal has initiated a technology partner ecosystem with the launch of its RiLineX power distribution platform covering a wide range of AC and DC components from the outset.
Our customers need more and more speed, combined with a high level of flexibility – and that need is something many different applications have in common,” says Raphael Görner, Executive Vice President of Energy & Power Solutions at Rittal. “We therefore need to look beyond our own development processes. To achieve speed through standardisation and wide-ranging innovations, collaboration between companies is a must.That’s why, right from the start, Rittal designed its new platform as an open ecosystem that would enable innovative manufacturers to develop and sell “Ready for RiLineX” components that can be connected directly to the 60 mm busbar system.
K’ELECTRIC
K’ELECTRIC, which is based in the German city of Bayreuth, develops and sells switch-disconnectors, lightning and surge protection, and digital measurement technology, which is primarily used in AC environments. “We’re a smaller supplier – and we make a point of turning that to our advantage. We can work closely with our customers and partners and build their ideas and suggestions into our developments faster – and that applies for Rittal, too,” says Philipp Stöcklein, who is the key account manager for technical building equipment and energy suppliers at K’ELECTRIC. The result is exceptionally compact components for the high packing densities of modern systems – components that can now be installed on the board faster than ever thanks to the new contact design.
E-T-A Elektrotechnische Apparate GmbH
Direct current is not only distributed in battery storage systems and photovoltaic installations. In more and more industrial applications, power reaches the machine via stable direct current networks. As a global market leader in circuit protection devices and overcurrent protection, E-T-A Electrotechnical Apparatus GmbH, a protection equipment specialist based in Altdorf in Germany – brings many years of experience in direct current to the ecosystem. “In terms of switchgear and components, DC systems have different needs, in relation to arc quenching, for instance,” explains Richard Mehl, Head of Division Communication & Systems at E-T-A.
E-T-A provides protection for expensive equipment in the mechanical engineering sector and process industry – in the form of either conventional electromechanical solutions or smart, selective protection systems.
EFEN
The specialist in safety and communication interfaces, provides intelligent and safe solutions for modern power distribution systems worldwide, with a strong focus on quality, service, reliability and sustainability. As a medium-sized company, EFEN is able to respond quickly to market demands. EFEN brings to the RiLineX ecosystem its extensive expertise in switchgear with fuses to DIN/EN standards. Harald Kownatzky, European Sales Manager at EFEN, emphasises: "Our cooperation with Rittal allows us to optimally complement our expertise and offer innovative solutions for power distribution.
The pace of power distribution continues to increase, as seen from the wide range of components available at the sales launch. The “Click & Work” platform of RiLineX enables users to be up to 30 percent faster in planning and designing and as much as 75 percent quicker at assembly. The next step involves components that directly contact the rails just as quickly and easily. Rittal and its partners also expect a snowball effect due to the high international distribution of RiLineX. “The suggestions from the Eplan Data Portal and the RiPower configuration software make it easier for planners and designers to discover the benefits of intelligent components, even though they may not yet be widely adopted in their markets,” Mr. Görner predicts.