The energy crisis, climate protection, supply chain problems and a shortage of skilled workers: Regardless of whether wind farm operators or project developers are concerned – the wind energy sector is facing increasing efficiency and cost pressure along the entire value chain. A surge in industrialisation is needed for energy to remain affordable and for companies in the sector to remain profitable. At the 2022 WindEnergy trade show in Hamburg, Rittal and Eplan will be showing the opportunities this creates: Modularisation, standardisation and data consistency are increasing the speed of expansion while also cutting the costs of planning, production and operation.
Industrialisation of the entire process chain is the powerful lever for Rittal and Eplan to help master the tasks ahead. At WindEnergy in Hamburg (27 to 30 September 2022), the focus will be on data consistency from planning, engineering and production through to operation. Energy storage and enclosure system technology for onshore and offshore applications also support this expansion. Operators, planners and decision-makers can obtain an overview of the cost-efficient engineering of wind turbines, accelerated wind farm planning, condition monitoring or energy storage concepts with sustainable climate solutions under the motto “Next stop – Industrializing Engineering, Production and Operations” in Hall B6, booth 351.
No margin for delays
“The working environment in metre-high nacelles or offshore wind farms does not permit any mistakes or inaccuracies. When constructing such wind turbines, everything must be exactly right regarding controls, circuits and cabling. Delays caused by on-site improvements generate high costs immediately. This also applies to maintenance and repairs during operation,” says Franziska Hain, Vertical Market Manager Renewable Energies at Rittal: “This precision is achieved with a large degree of automation, coordinated system technology and consistent digitally supported workflows in plant construction, from engineering to production and operation.” This is when remote maintenance and condition monitoring also come into their own.
Digital and automated workflows in plant engineering
“We need high data quality right from the start so that the digital workflow can unfold its full effect in the end,” confirms Jan Oliver Kammesheidt, Vertical Market Manager Energy at Eplan: “Our experience with the high degree of industrialisation in mechanical engineering shows this potential. We want to make these systemic benefits, including automated engineering, even more accessible to the energy sector. This is particularly important now if electricity is to remain affordable and companies are to remain profitable.”
Eplan already provides support in the engineering process of wind turbines – electrical and cabling planning, automation and mechatronics. The software allows the digital twin – of cable harnesses, for example – to be enriched with the relevant electrotechnical information. This means that the design of cabling and wiring har-nesses is not only made more manageable but is also independent of the availability of a mechanical prototype. Furthermore, the software is open to MCAD systems and can be integrated seamlessly into current system environments.
A look through the cloud
With ePocket, Rittal demonstrates how the “life cycle file” of equipment can be put into the cloud. This not only reduces paperwork. By scanning a QR code on the enclosure or via remote access, for instance, users can easily access the system documentation, including the digital twin. Thanks to simple maintenance, the data remains up to date. If there is a fault or a conversion is made, those responsible for the system and the maintenance staff have transparency of every detail – without needing to climb up to a 140-metre-high nacelle. “The augmented reality add-on for the Eplan eView cloud software illustrates the practical benefits of complete data,” Mr. Kammesheidt explains: “Service calls can be run through virtually in detail beforehand. This means there will be no surprises later. When it comes to the cost of operating in an offshore park, every minute counts.”
A certified power supply
Using the type-tested and freshly DNV-classified VX25 Ri4Power low-voltage switchgear system as an example, Rittal shows how the power supply operates safely on the high seas. With the approval for maritime use, users can now benefit from the advantages of an industry-proven system solution based on the VX25 bayed enclosure system with system accessories in offshore applications. The system offers protection against accidental arcing and is certified to as much as 3,840 amperes. In addition, DNV approval supports and simplifies the process of approving the customer’s application.