UPDATE - The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

UPDATE - The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine | Phoenix Contact

FLOW – FACTS AND FIGURES The longest rivers 6,650 km The Nile, Africa Traffic flow 44 km The longest traffic jam in Germany, on July 23, 2022 (highway A8) 6,400 km The Amazon, South America 422 ships were jammed at both entrances to the Suez Canal after 6 days when the “Ever Given” grounded in the middle of the canal in 2021 6,380 km The Yangtze River, Asia Data flow on the global Internet in one minute 28,000 Netflix streams 695,000 9,132 shared Instagram stories networked users on LinkedIn 175 m River Aril, Europe (shortest river in the world) 230 m is the deepest point in any river (Congo, Africa) 0 The number of rivers in Saudi Arabia – the only country in the world without any 69 million 197.6 million WhatsApp messages emails 500 h video uploads on YouTube $1.6 million turnover in e-commerce Material in flux: concrete 8,000 BC The first evidence of lime mortar 250 BC opus caementicium (Roman concrete) Development of 1755 Development of Roman cement 1844 Invention of Portland cement 1867 Invention of reinforced concrete The Amazon region 7 million km2 The area of the Amazon basin (approx. 5% of the Earth’s total land area) 6,642 km3 of water flows into the Atlantic via the Amazon estuary every year Up to 48 km The width of the Amazon (Brazil) during floods 2 010110100101101001011010010110100110110100101001011101001010000101001010010110101100101001011010010110100101101001010010010110100101101001011010010110100101101001011010010110100101101001011010010110100101101010010111010100100100101010010101010101110101001000011010101101011100

Stephan Frigge, Executive Vice President Business Area Device Connectors EDITORIAL Do not be scared of change Dear readers, When you think of the subject of flow, the first thing that comes to mind is water. So do we. And because our product and solution portfolio is so broad, we are not only illustrating an impressive form of energy storage and generation in the Alps, in which our technology is involved, but we are also showcasing a newly built boat lift that relies on solutions from Phoenix Contact. But whether they are used in a thermal spa in Switzerland (starting on page 18) or on the shores of the Baltic Sea, where power lines from wind farms come ashore and the energy is fed into the distribution grids (starting on page 32) – the driving force behind the use of our technologies is always renewal, improvement, and optimization. It also became clear while we were researching the subjects for this issue that when we think about flows, we are not just thinking about water. Material flows and the circular economy are at the heart of recycling wind turbine generators (starting on page 52). And hydrogen is also a hot topic, without which the energy revolution will not succeed. This energy-charged beacon of hope is being harnessed in a new, scalable, large-scale system. Read more about this, starting on page 38. And the subject of carbon concrete also involves new technologies and the courage to venture away from established paths and trying something new (starting on page 58). As you can see, there is much more to this issue than just moving water. With this in mind, I hope you enjoy reading this issue and discovering many new things. The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/23 3

The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine Circulation E n e r g y Flow Water Ideas a t e M ri a l This issue follows the motto of flow through cities and the countryside. And as the content demonstrates, it is not just water that is on the move. The Valle di Lei dam is located in Switzerland, surrounded by Italian territory 08 HYDROPOWER Holding back With the sophisticated technology involved, the large dam that withstands the pressure of 200 million cubic meters of water in the Valle di Lei provides energy in the adjoining power station when the wind lulls, droughts, or darkness put stress on the power grids elsewhere | 08 SPRINGS Heated up The name says it all – the Baden (English = bath) district in Switzerland is home to the oldest thermal baths in the region. And a brand-new one! | 18 The color of hydrogen: First megawatt electrolyzer 38 H₂ H₂ H₂ 4 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

SIGNPOST Exciting building automation on the banks of the Limmat river in Switzerland 18 The advantages of carbon concrete in a transformer station 46 Functional safety at the Niederfinow boat lift 26 Recycling wind turbine generators makes old systems last longer 54 WATERWAYS Lift off Where ships learn to fly and technology from Blomberg, Germany, ensures safety – at the Niederfinow boat lift | 26 HYDROGEN Split off 450 kilograms of pure hydrogen per day – this is how much the first AEM electrolyzer in the megawatt class in Saesbeck, Westphalia, Germany, can produce | 38 CIRCULATION Dismantled When old wind turbines have to make way, their final hour has not yet come. Bernd Weidmann tells us how and where the generators find new owners | 54 POWER GRIDS Making land The small town of Lubmin, Germany, has an eventful, energetic past. Now, the energy treasure trove on the Baltic Sea is starting its journey to the power grid | 32 MATERIAL Mixed Carbon concrete is still an exotic material. But this malleable material is already showing what it can do in the showcase transformer building at the All Electric Society Park in Blomberg, Germany | 46 Editorial | 03 From the industry | 06 Behind the scenes | 60 Legal notice | 63 Preview | 63 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/23 5

FROM THE INDUSTRY Hydrogen for everyone? Diaper-reinforced Electrolysis on the rooftop Alternative building material from an unusual source Photovoltaics and solar thermal energy could soon have competition on the roof. This is because “Project Solhyd” also wants the sunniest possible spots. The hydrogen modules developed by the startup aim to produce hydrogen from water vapor in the ambient air using the power of the sun. Jan Rongé and Tom Bosserez are bioengineers at the KU Leuven university in Belgium. They have been working on the special solar panels for around 10 years. The top layer of the module captures the sun’s energy. Underneath is a system of tubes into which the ambient air is drawn. Catalysts are used to capture the water vapor it contains and split off hydrogen using solar power. This green energy source can be used to breathe life into a fuel cell, supply a heating system or, if used industrially, be further compressed and processed. The modules are compatible with conventional solar panels, are produced without rare earths, and are said to work even in dry desert air. This means they can be used in fully autonomous systems. The developers consider that commercial production within the next three to six years is realistic. Prices could approach those of solar modules, assuming the corresponding volumes are available. solhyd.org 6 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine regulations applicable there. Around 1.7 cubic meters of used diapers found their way into a single-story test house with a floor area of 36 square meters. There is no record of how the scientists came up with the idea. However, this remarkable approach is still failing in practice due to the lack of companies recycling disposable diapers. kitakyu-u.ac.jp Researchers at Japan’s Kitakyushu University want to use used baby diapers to tackle two problems in the construction industry at once. In a disinfected and shredded form, they are intended to supplement sand, a raw material that is gradually becoming scarce. At the same time, this recycled toddler waste also reduces the mountains of garbage. The scientists tested various mixtures of sand and diaper waste in a new development area in Indonesia. They determined suitable strength classes based on the building Batteries that rust News from battery research Metal-air batteries have been around for some 150 years. However, only as non-rechargeable versions. The American startup “Form Energy” has developed a process in which iron is used as the anode in the charging cells. If oxygen is added, the anode begins to rust and iron oxide is formed. This chemical reaction releases heat, which is converted into electricity. When new energy is stored, its voltage is used to separate the iron and oxygen again – “reverse rusting”, so to speak. The cost of the energy storage system is said to be around a tenth of conventional lithium-ion batteries. Series production of the iron-air battery is due to start as early as next year. formenergy.com Charge Oxygen Rust Iron Discharge Oxygen

The concrete booster Carbon replaces steel and reduces cement The use of carbon concrete is still exotic in the construction industry, even though the first building made of this high-tech material has already been constructed at the All Electric Society Park in Blomberg (see page 46 ff). In Dresden, the mixture of concrete and carbon fabric does not encase transformers, but serves as the outer skin of an innovative university building. While classic buildings are based on a steel skeleton, which is then thickly encased in concrete, the “Cube” in Dresden is made of carbon rods and mats to ensure stability. With traditional concrete, the mixture of sand, gravel, and cement protects the steel from corrosion. This risk does not occur with carbon concrete. For this reason, the enveloping concrete layer can also be significantly thinner, with a much higher strength. And a way better FROM THE INDUSTRY ecological footprint of the building. “This saves up to 50 percent of the concrete”, reports the Technical University of Dresden, which has been researching the basis for the use of carbon in concrete construction for 30 years. Because cement is required to produce concrete, which is a significant factor in the carbon balance of construction worldwide due to the amount required each year, the development of carbon concrete will contribute to a significantly better environmental balance throughout the construction industry. What is more, the new building material is much lighter, allowing for completely new architectural solutions. And the fact that it is also substantially more durable makes it an exciting alternative in terms of cost. tu-dresden.de A look inside the “Cube” at Dresden University of Technology Mr. Robot gets green light Fully autonomous driving approved for the first time The Californian regulatory authority, CPUC, is allowing the companies Waymo (Google) and Cruise (General Motors) to use their fully autonomous cabs on the streets of San Francisco. In making this decision, it also overrode the concerns of municipal transport companies, which reported breakdowns, particularly at junctions. However, the critics were unable to report any accidents caused as a result. At almost the same time, the car manufacturer Mercedes received permission to sell its saloons with a Level 3 assistance system in California. This allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel completely on the highway and watch videos or answer emails, for example, but only up to a maximum speed of 60 km/h. This is not a big issue in the congested areas around Los Angeles and San Francisco. cpuc.ca.gov Rotating world record Gaining energy through growth The Siemens-Gamesa wind power group achieved the highest ever power generation in 24 hours to date with its SG14-222 DD prototype. The 359 megawatt-hours are enough to supply a four-person household with electricity for 100 years. Or to drive around 1.9 million kilometers in an electric car. The wind turbine generator, which was actually developed for offshore use, is located on a test field in Oesterild, Denmark. In order to optimize wind capture, the engineers designed a rotor with a diameter of 222 meters. The rotor blades are 108 meters long. The tower is 160 meters high, and the nacelle alone weighs 500 metric tons. The wind turbine has an output of around 15 megawatts. Siemens-Gamesa plans to mass- produce the record-breaking system starting in 2024. An even more powerful wind turbine is already being planned, which will be around five percent more powerful. siemensgamesa.com The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/23 7

It is cold up here. Icy cold. An almost surreal atmosphere lies over the Valle di Lei. In the background, the Pizzo Stella mountain rises up in the Oberhalbstein Alps. The pressure of 200 million cubic meters of water presses against the enormous dam wall. A dam wall that connects. Switzerland on one side of the valley, Italy on the other. And in the middle of it all, an energy storage facility that provides electricity for 350,000 households. T he Swiss know their Alps inside out. In the case of the Hinterrhein power station, mainly from the inside. In one of the largest plants of its kind, the Swiss have succeeded in harnessing the energy reserves of Lago di Lei reservoir all year round in three power plant groups with sophisticated pump and generator technology and impressive tunnel systems. Around 45 percent of the 1,400 GWh of electricity generated here is used in the winter months. The hydrological oddball The reservoir, which is up to eight kilometers long and covers the Reno di Lei valley today, was built between 1956 and 1963 and is located entirely on Italian territory, while the dam wall is on Swiss territory. An international treaty between Italy and Switzerland made it possible to build the enormous dam with a crown length of 635 meters. Between 1957 and 1963, 840,000 cubic meters of concrete were formed into a 138-meter-high arched wall, which has since been holding back the maximum 197 million cubic meters of water. The Reno di Lei used to be called the Lei Rhine and actually flows into the Rhine. This makes it the only body of water in Italy that ultimately flows into the North Sea. The lake is fed by meltwater from winter snowfalls and rainfall during the rest of the year. Above all, however, Lago di Lei serves as a reservoir into which water is pumped from smaller and lower-lying reservoirs, some of which “collect” their water from other valleys. However, this is only the case if the three connected turbine sites are not needed for generating electricity. If enough electricity is available, the surplus energy is used to pump water into the reservoir, which is located almost 2,000 meters above sea level. → The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/23 11

HYDROPOWER In the mountain Change of scene: the 950-meter-long tunnel leading back to the canton of Graubünden can be driven through by car. The route leads downhill through the Aversertal valley to the headquarters in Avers, almost 500 meters lower than the reservoir. Corsin Spiller is already waiting for us in front of the entrance to the system. The 58-year-old is responsible for the electrical systems and ancillary facilities. In a staff function, he is also responsible for safety and the environment at the Hinterrhein power stations. He has been working here for 29 years, so he knows “his” facilities inside out and, above all, from the inside. The huge dam of Lago di Lei is not the only structure designed to turn water into electricity. “There are a total of five dams in different reservoir areas here, which are connected to each other via 59 kilometers of tunnels and shafts. With our three power stations in total, we achieve an average annual production of 1,368 gigawatt hours”. Corsin Spiller’s voice begins to echo as we walk through a 180-meter- long tunnel into the power station. That is right: the Ferrera headquarters is inside the mountain. The gigantic machine hall opens up in front of us. The cavern, which is 143 meters long, 29 meters wide and 24 meters high, has space for three Francis turbines. These systems can generate electricity as turbines, and pump water as motors in reverse operation. “The light in here is controlled so that we have conditions similar to daylight”, explains the electrical engineering graduate. “This makes it easier for the operating team working in a shift system here in the mountain. This is a sophisticated controller that we have developed here ourselves”. There is even a real chamber here. But one in which only Aquarians would feel really comfortable. This so-called surge chamber is a huge, circular hall. This is necessary to compensate and dampen pressure fluctuations in the pipelines of the hydropower station. The huge cavern could easily accommodate several apartment buildings. for → 110 kilometers of transmission lines 59 kilometers of tunnels and shafts 5 dams The facilities were built into the mountain at the end of the 1950s 12 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

“The reservoir is our battery, our power storage”. Corsin Spiller, Project Manager Hinterrhein Power Station Cutting instead of screwing The next passage through the mountain leads to the areas where Phoenix Contact products are used – the switching devices. Control cabinet after control cabinet – and the striking Blomberg logo everywhere. “We have been fully committed to the Quickon terminal blocks for a few years now”, Corsin Spiller points to the open cabinet, “at first, the old power station workers in particular were naturally skeptical. Cables should be screwed into the terminal blocks. But I was convinced that the mechanism of these insulation displacement connectors is naturally less susceptible to faults and errors, especially during replacement. I was able to push my idea through. We have been using Quickon insulation displacement connectors from Phoenix Contact on a large scale since 2007. Our first project was an outdoor switching station in Sils im Domleschg, which today belongs to the grid company, Swissgrid. And we have never been disappointed, so far we haven’t had a single malfunction”. The subject of renovation and modernization has been on the project manager’s mind for many years. “A transformer has a life expectancy of around 40 years, and a turbine runner can also last 20 to 35 years – but the entire control system, including the computer controller, will of course not last 40 years. There has always been minor repairs and system adjustments. And then it was time to upgrade the entire systems with state-of-the-art technology. We have invested around 300 million Swiss francs in this over the last 10 years”. The PCB-containing coating was first completely removed from the pressure tunnels. The electrical 14 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

HYDROPOWER 13 Francis turbines at three locations and a total output of 640 MW 1,368 GWh average annual production systems of the power station construction itself were also put to the test in order to optimize the power yield. For example, a better turbine can achieve an efficiency gain of two to three percent. “With an annual output of around 1.4 gigawatts, that makes quite a difference”. Challenges for the future Reliable availability is crucial for the Hinterrhein power stations. The company is facing major challenges due to the increasing energy requirements of charging parks for e-mobility and the server farms of Bitcoin washing systems, for example. Spiller explains, “This is difficult for our grid. We haven’t had any problems with washing machines or water heating in the past, but a fast charging station for a Tesla, for instance, does present us with challenges. Say you settle in a small village in the mountains, build an apartment building there and want to set up charging facilities, then we are obliged to bring this connection power to the front of the house”. In terms of personnel, the omnipresent shortage of skilled workers is also causing headaches for the people of Graubünden, despite the exciting jobs in one of Europe’s most beautiful regions. “Power station workers have a strenuous and responsible job, even though, with the automation here in Ferrera, for example, the days of round-the-clock shift work are a thing of the past”. The underground facilities are only busy during maintenance phases; otherwise, the machines in the mountain are monitored and controlled from the command center in Sils. → The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/23 15

HYDROPOWER Water, workers, and contracts At the moment, however, it is the so-called “reversion” that is keeping power stations busy. Corsin Spiller explains. “If you want to use hydropower in Switzerland, you need a concession. Over the next few decades, concessions for dozens of Swiss hydropower plants will expire. We will have to deal with this issue at the latest in 2042. Numerous technical and legal clarifications have to be ironed out well in advance”. The rights to the use of hydropower are in the hands of the cantons and municipalities. These rights were assigned to the power station operators of Hinterrhein Kraftwerke AG for 80 years. In accordance with the Water Rights Act, the power stations revert to the municipalities or cantons where they are located once the concession expires. The wet parts (dam wall, pressure pipes, turbines) will be free of charge, whereas the dry parts (generators, transformers, control systems) can be taken over at a “favorable” price. But can cantons and municipalities “do” hydropower, energy generation and marketing? The meaningful look in Corsin Spiller’s eyes gives us an inkling that opinions differ on this issue. Wishing for bad weather What impact will climate change have on the Alpine reservoir? The power station manager’s expression becomes serious. “We have the paradoxical situation that we no longer only provide our stored energy within the European grid system in winter, when the renewable electricity generators deliver lower yields. When the French rivers no longer have enough water to cool the nuclear power plants in summer and they have to be throttled back, our reserves will also be called upon. So far, this is only three to four weeks a year, but the duration is increasing. If you look into the mountains today, for example at the glacier in the Valle di Lei, 40 years ago it still reached almost to the edge of the valley. Now, it has effectively disappeared. We have around two to three meters less snow in the mountains again this year. You can bridge the gap for a year or two. But if this lasts longer, it will become problematic. We as workers are therefore hoping for rainy summer months and long, snowy winters”. Water is a precious commodity that also makes an important contribution to the energy mix – if it is available in sufficient quantities in the right place. And used cleverly. Just like in the Valle di Lei, with the huge dam. (lo) khr.ch 16 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine Water catchment Water catchment Water catchment Water catchment Preda catch Preda catch basin basin Surge chamber Surge chamber Thusis Thusis operation operation center center

A system of shafts and pipes ensures that the water not only flows through the turbines once, but can be pumped uphill again if required and is then available as energy storage at any time. Thusis operation center Thusis operation center Thusis power station Thusis power station Sils power station Sils power station N Bärenburg power station Bärenburg power station Sufers reservoir Sufers reservoir Switzerland Switzerland Ferrera power station Ferrera power station Valle di Lei reservoir Valle di Lei reservoir Water catchment Water catchment Surge chamber Surge chamber Valle di Lei reservoir Valle di Lei reservoir Italy Italy Water catchment Water catchment Water catchment Water catchment Ferrera Ferrera equalizing reservoir equalizing reservoir Ferrera Ferrera power station power station Water catchment Water catchment Sufers reservoir Sufers reservoir Surge chamber Surge chamber Bärenburg Bärenburg power station power station Bärenburg Bärenburg equalizing basin equalizing basin Water catchment Water catchment Albula Albula Hinterrhein Hinterrhein Sils Sils power station power station Thusis Thusis power station power station 17

HEAT FLOW A rchaeologists with eagle eyes monitor every construction project about to be realized here. Because wherever spades or excavators are used in the Swiss Baden region, it is almost certain that something historical will be unearthed. This is also the case with Fortyseven, the sensational thermal spa by star architect Mario Botta, located at the knee of the Limmat. And this is as it should be – where today a futuristic-looking building complex revives the tradition of the old spas, different cultures have immortalized themselves for thousands of years in the form of their own spa architecture. Underground treasure trove Christian Bühler is a project manager in the field of measurement and control technology at the Swiss company, Pfiffner AG. He knows the building like the back of his hand and guides us unerringly into the catacombs of the modern wellness temple. But before we dive into the world of heat pumps and control technology, we pass some buried treasure: A small selection of the finds from the early days has been put on show in the thermal baths. A glance through the glass panes reveals the stone foundations and enclosures from Roman times that were found here. The rest is either under the new foundations or was carefully recorded and then removed. And this was done because 6,700 square meters of the latest architecture and technology needed their place, however historic the reason may be. Architect Mario Botta had two main objectives. “The river must remain the protagonist. And I have to give the 47-degree spring, this gift of nature, a worthy setting”. The goal seems to have been quite successful, as a bird’s eye view shows. The thermal baths are located in the middle of Baden’s old town, directly on the River Limmat, which downstream flows into the River Aare. Despite its modern architecture, the complex blends harmoniously into the landscape and the surrounding old spa architecture. And anyone exploring the area on foot will quickly come across the possibility of taking a free, open-air bath directly on the river and in the hot springs – the “Hot Spring” is a nod to the residents and visitors who do not want to be direct guests of the thermal bath. A hotspot for free, so to speak. Daniel Knechtli, Phoenix Contact, talking shop with Christian Bühler from Pfiffner AG 20 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

Christian Bühler knows the various stages of the water and air cycles inside out The thermal water is collected from five springs 27 15 21 ventilation systems ensure the right climate in the thermal spa control cabinets ensure the right flow of data and power controllers monitor the complex technology in the building In the thermal water center Enough of the pleasures above ground, let’s get down to business. In other words, in the areas where the power from the depths meets the latest technology to supply the system. Christian Bühler explains. “Fortyseven does not have its own springs, but is fed from five springs in the surrounding area. This water is stored in two catch basins. From there, it is fed through four thermal water storage tanks, which transfer the energy via large heat exchangers to the system water, which in turn is used to treat the heating and cooling water. This brings the domestic hot water to 67 degrees Celsius, while the heating water remains at 47 degrees Celsius. And some of the thermal water is of course fed directly into the baths”. The storage tanks are thermally stratified – the 67-degree water for showers, baths, and washbasins is at the top, while the 47-degree water for heating is at the bottom. Depending on requirements, the required water is taken from the top or bottom of the storage tanks. The large heat pumps run almost continuously. If neither domestic hot water nor heating water is required, the pumps are used for cooling. The cooled system water from the evaporator circuit is then used for the cooling circuit, for example on the floors of the treatment rooms in the spa in summer. However, the majority of cooling is provided by the ventilation. In addition to the two heat pumps, there is also a gas boiler for peak load coverage if the output of the heat pumps is not sufficient. There are still reserves of one megawatt available here. → The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/23 21

The system can be controlled via touch panels on site or monitored via remote access “Visualization was an important subject, especially for maintenance and potential repair work”. 22 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine Air (humidity) out In the bathing area itself, the high humidity is a problem because the windows should not mist up. As a rule, the cooler outside air is used for dehumidification. However, as this does not always work, especially in summer, an additional dehumidifier is installed there, which also dehumidifies the entire system. There are various cold water pools, some of which have to be cooled down to four degrees. These pools are fed with the cooled water from the heat pumps, which has to be cooled down even further. Bühler summarizes. “Around 90 percent of the product – heat – is utilized. If cooling is required, we use additional chillers to draw on the cooled water and thus save on our own cold storage”. Two other system elements reveal just how sophisticated the overall system is. On the one hand, heat is extracted from the wastewater by a sewage and wastewater heat pump via its own plate exchangers before it leaves the plant. So this energy is not lost either. And even the waste heat from the systems themselves is used. “The waste heat from the engine room is used to operate an air heat

HEAT FLOW pump that keeps the domestic hot water circulation at a constantly high level of 55 degrees Celsius”. So instead of wasting the abundant thermal energy available underground, extreme care is taken to ensure that the building can be operated efficiently. Reward for the efforts: the thermal baths have been awarded a Minergie certificate, a kind of Swiss energy passport for particularly climate-efficient buildings. Only a quarter of the energy required for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning has to be supplied from outside in the form of electricity, the rest is generated indoors. This is an impressive energy balance for a wellness spa with its many different types of use and functions. Energy flow under control Project manager Bühler confirms this. “The system here is certainly unique. Not everyone has a thermal spring at their disposal. It was also a real challenge for us to implement this complex type of power coupler in this way”. Not without pride, he adds, “We have now reached the point where we can generate four to five shares of heat energy from one share of electricity”. The entire system control, monitoring, and switching the heat pumps on and off is managed via the controllers from Phoenix Contact, as Christian Bühler shows when opening one of the 15 control cabinets. He adds, “We have installed a total of 21 ILC2050 BI-L controllers, which are configured via Phoenix Contact’s own Emalytics software. Incidentally, this is the first major project that we have implemented with Phoenix Contact”. The experts at Pfiffner AG are old hands when it comes to building automation. Daniel Knechtli, who specializes in buildings at Phoenix Contact Switzerland, explains, “Christian and his team have been familiar with the Niagara framework, that is to say the basic software framework used here, for years. All that was new was our hardware and the special features of our Emalytics applications”. He points to the monitor integrated into the door of the control cabinet. “Visualization was an important issue. Here we can see the heat pump, which we can also clearly hear. We work with our own icons, but basically the blocks are stored in the development environment of the Phoenix Contact controller”. → Neatly wired – 15 control cabinets are installed in the thermal spa The system is automated by special controllers from Phoenix Contact, which run the Emalytics building software The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/23 23

Controlling, regulating, monitoring Fingers flit nimbly over the control panel. “The visualization system includes the thermal spa itself as well as commercial and residential areas and a planned rehabilitation clinic adjacent to the thermal spa”. An external service provider is used for facility management throughout the complex. Visualization is particularly important for the external service provider’s specialists, enabling them to quickly identify whether the systems are in order or where any faults are situated. Bühler explains, “Here you can not only look, but also control and regulate the system. And naturally, this is also possible via remote access. Users have read and write access, but cannot change the underlying programming. That is only possible through us”. An interface to an alarm server via BACnet was implemented as part of the programming. A service technician is informed via SMS in the event of a fault. The technician can connect remotely and see where the alarm is coming from. Depending on the prioritization, the technician decides whether someone needs to take action on site or whether the message needs to be rectified via remote maintenance. The operator is always informed about the status of their system. Christian Bühler points out an additional strength of Emalytics. “The pool technology works with its own system, but we have read the technology into our system via the open interfaces of Emalytics and can therefore make it visible”. Mineral transportation The “used” water is ultimately discharged into the Limmat. And since it only contains natural minerals, the discharge is harmless. Things look different inside the facilities. Here it is necessary to protect the systems from the mineral-rich water. The registers are repeatedly flushed with fresh water. The thermal springs in Baden are the richest in minerals in the whole of Switzerland. The minerals also dissolve in the ambient air, which is why special coatings are used to protect the electrical systems from deposits. 24 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine Christian Bühler is very satisfied with the cooperation with Phoenix Contact. “Fortyseven was our first major project together. Since then, we have increasingly relied on the solutions and support from Phoenix Contact. Building automation is becoming increasingly important. And energy monitoring will become an even more dominant subject. We have jointly implemented a true lighthouse project on the Limmat”. (lo) pfiffner.com/en/ fortyseven.ch

Dirk Beischau, construction supervisor at the new waterway construction office, and Frank Bothe from Phoenix Contact (from left) “The new boat lift is a masterpiece of engineering”. Volker Wissing, Federal Minister of Transport 28 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine T he waterway link between the Havel and Oder rivers has a long history. The historic Finow Canal was built between 1605 and 1620. Its successor, the Oder-Havel Canal, was put into operation in 1914. As a part of the Oder-Havel waterway, the Oder-Havel Canal runs 54 kilometers from the Havel River south of Oranienburg to the Alte Oder River near Niederfinow, Germany. Two descent structures have to be navigated during the journey: the Lehnitz lock and the Niederfinow boat lift. Both waterways share their economic importance for a region that was also known as the “Mark Wuppertal” in the 19th century due to its booming heavy metal industry and was heavily dependent on freight transport by water. Above all, bulk goods are shipped along the Oder-Havel Canal. While the old Finow Canal still used numerous locks to make the 36-meter difference in height between the Havel and Oder rivers passable, the first Niederfinow boat lift was put into operation

TRAFFIC FLOW in 1934. It is the oldest working structure of its kind in Germany and is now a listed building. Since October 4, 2022, however, the old treasure has been supported by a new boat lift that is suitable for newer and larger inland waterway vessels. the 13 years of construction work Preparation work began in winter 2006/2007, and the cornerstone was laid in 2009. 13 years, 65,000 metric tons of concrete and 8,900 metric tons of steel later, the imposing structure was completed, eliminating transportation bottleneck for inland shipping. As part of expanding the waterway, the entire canal was widened from 34 meters to 55 meters, and the depth increased from 2.8 meters to four meters. In the future, large motor cargo ships up to 110 meters long and 11.4 meters wide as well as pushed convoys up to a length of 135 meters will be able to operate here. If the cargo of one of the barges used for this was shifted over to road transport, the equivalent would be around 150 trucks, with engines emitting significantly more pollutants than the ship’s one or two drives. A clever embodiment of the transport revolution, but one that involves considerable construction work. Safe traffic flow The increasing traffic around the boat lift is controlled by a sophisticated signaling system from Phoenix Contact. This is based on a complete solution including lighting control, plug-and-play cabling, signal lights for inland waterways, fully assembled control cabinets, and the necessary mounting accessories. “We joined the team very late on”, says Frank Bothe, describing the work on the major project. The experienced sales representative is a specialist in signal technology and knows the requirements inside out. “The waterways authority in Berlin chose our solution. We have therefore been involved in the last two years of the construction project”. The system regulates the flow into and out of the boat lift in accordance with the regulations of the German Inland Waterways Ordinance. As a part of this, the various signal images are displayed at the entry signals, which show the ship’s captain what to do. The exit signal works like a road traffic light. There are a total of three entry signals, two exit signals, two pleasure boat wait signals, and two direction indicators. A total of 27 state-of-the-art LED signal lights and nine lighting controls have been installed for the entire signal system. → The dimensions of the system, here in the still dry lifting trough, are impressive It took 13 years to construct the €520 million lift The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/23 29

36 meters up or down, depending on the direction of travel To withstand the constantly humid environment for years to come, the lights are installed in a saltwater-resistant V4A housing. With LED technology, they are particularly energy-efficient and In addition, the illuminance can be adjusted to the actual brightness of the surroundings, for example in special weather conditions. low-maintenance. Frank Bothe adds, “The special diagnostic and monitoring functions that were necessary in Niederfinow underline the relevance of such a signaling system. The current light intensity can be called up, as can the current and voltage of each LED. Should an incident occur in the system, the signaling system provides all relevant data for the operations team. An 3,100 million metric tons of freight transport by domestic trucks, 2021 358.8 million metric tons of freight transport by rail, 2021 182.4 million metric tons of freight transport by inland waterway, 2021 (Source: German Federal Statistical Office, 2023) 30

“The safety functionality is crucial for the operator”. Frank Bothe, Industrial Management Infrastructure Phoenix Contact installed safety function is responsible for providing feedback as to whether the signal light actually lights up”. Ship instead of jam Port authorities and lock operators can not only keep an eye on the system remotely via the visualization system using a web interface, but also have the option of displaying messages about malfunctions. The integrated safety functionality in the entire signaling system for water traffic routes is a unique selling point of Phoenix Contact. This means that it is not just about ships being lifted safely over obstacles. An important contribution is also being made to the transport revolution, because bulk goods can be shipped across the country much more effectively on waterways instead of being spread over many individual trucks on congested highways. ( fb/ lo) schiffshebewerk-niederfinow.com The signaling systems are completely from Phoenix Contact, including the lights, the control cabinets, and the visualization system 31

Lubmin in Germany has an eventful history behind it. Above all, an eventful energy history. A decommissioned nuclear power plant, a decommissioned gas pipeline, a new LNG terminal, and the hub of the power lines to the Baltic Sea wind farms are all to be found there. The energy from these is fed into the German grid here. T he future of Lubmin is unlikely to have a nuclear or gas-fired component. What was once the largest nuclear power plant in the German Democratic Republic is now being dismantled. Its nuclear waste, which will remain dangerous for thousands of years, will initially be stored in the North Interim Storage Facility in the immediate vicinity. The steel pipes of Nord Stream 1 and 2 have not been transporting Russian gas since the invasion of Ukraine due to sanctions and sabotage. And the new liquefied natural gas terminal is also unlikely to have any long-term prospects if the energy revolution and the phase-out of fossil fuels succeed. Thomas Ehrhardt and Ehrenfried Wagner, on the other hand, are in the former fishing village and current seaside resort to work on the energy future of Lubmin and Germany’s adjoining electricity distribution grids. The two experts are part of the Energy Automation Team at Phoenix Contact in Gera. And feel right at home in the large substation. “This is where the undersea cables from the Baltic Eagle and Arcadis Ost 1 wind farms reappear and feed energy into the German power grid”, says Thomas Ehrhardt, describing the situation on site. “In the past, the substation here was used to transform the electricity from the nuclear power plant into the grid. The 380 kilovolt line from the Lubmin nuclear power plant led to the Wolmirstedt substation in Saxony-Anhalt and, at 287.8 kilometers long, was the longest power line in Germany”, Ehrhardt says, pointing to the imposing system right behind him. “Nowadays, this method of generating → The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/23 33 33

Each of the large transformers weighs a good 60 metric tons energy is history. But the systems that have been built here for this purpose are being used. Incidentally, this also includes the port, through which a good proportion of the wind turbine generators were transported”. Ehrenfried Wagner adds, “Offshore wind farms already have their own substations at sea, which collect the electricity from the individual wind turbines and transform it into a transport-friendly 220 kilovolts. These 220 kilovolts then arrive in Lubmin via an undersea cable. Here the voltage is transformed to 380 kilovolts. This voltage level is required for transportation over long distances”. The trained power electrician for systems engineering explains the individual components as he walks through the extensive plant. Silence in the grid We make a short stop at one of the six huge transformers. “The former GDR power grid was based on the 220 kilovolt voltage level, because dealing with 380 kilovolts is incomparably more complex. The grid operator, 50 Hertz, is gradually dismantling all the old 220 kilovolt systems and converting the entire grid to 380 kilovolts. The advantages simply outweigh the disadvantages, especially with the power loss in the lines being significantly lower”. He knows the substation like the back of his hand. “I worked here for the first time in 2008”. The Energy Automation team from Gera supports the grid operator, 50 Hertz, that maintains the eastern German power grid. “In addition to the standard maintenance and renovation of power grids, our normal day-to-day business, the extensive feed-ins from offshore wind farms are what make this special”, explains Thomas Ehrhardt. “Renewable generators such as wind turbine generators and solar power systems do not run as constantly as conventional large-scale nuclear or coal-fired power plants. The fluctuations generated because of this must be filtered out of the grids as much as possible. And our automation solutions switch, control, monitor, and measure precisely these processes. They also include the necessary safety equipment so that we can travel and work safely in the midst of this high-voltage outdoor facility”. As a rule, the substation is remotely controlled directly → 34 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

Ehrenfried Wagner visited the system in Lubmin for the first time back in 2008 from the 50 Hertz control center in Berlin using remote control technology from Phoenix Contact. However, due to the extensive new construction and conversion work at the substation, the large site behind the nuclear power plant and interim storage facility is very busy these days. Ehrenfried Wagner points to two voluminous pieces of equipment. “These are the chokes that filter out fluctuations in the grids and reduce reactive power. Capacitors absorb the electricity short-term and discharge it again. Transformers – we also call them grid couplers – play an active role in power grid stability through unique voltage regulation. The power grids will face ever greater challenges in the future as the output of renewable energy sources continues to increase. The effort required to keep the grids stable is also increasing. And increasing levels of automation are needed to compensate for the constantly changing fluctuations. It is no longer possible to do this manually”. Walking back to the substation’s control room, Wagner explains the various lines buzzing above our heads. “The 220 kilovolt lines that are also still present here provide the connection to the surrounding substations that have not yet been upgraded to 380 kilovolts”. The interior of the utility building is a hive of activity. “We plan and assemble the control cabinets to be installed here based on the grid operator’s requirements. And we then commission the systems here on site, that is to say we adapt the programming and coordinate it with the operator and the installation company here in Lubmin. And, of course, we also provide services during operation”. Around 30 control cabinets are required per system. Endurance technician While Phoenix Contact Energy Automation is based in Gera and looks after the East German power grids, the Energy Automation team based in Velbert is responsible for large areas of the old federal states and their grid operators. “Our job is a bit like a continuous loop”, smiles Thomas Ehrhardt. “We work our way from one end of the grid to the other and then start all over again. Power grids have to function around the clock every day, and so do our systems. We work here in the critical infrastructure sector, where consistency and reliability are the watchwords. And we have made a very good name for ourselves in this area”. Not a business model to make a quick euro or promote exponential growth, as the two high-current experts explain. But there is hardly any other place in Germany – with a nuclear power plant behind it, pipelines under its feet and wind power off the coast – where it is clear just how crucial central stable power grids are to the success of the necessary energy revolution and the vision of the All Electric Society. (lo) 50hertz.com 36 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

The control center of the electrolyzer is gas-tight and separated from the production unit by a slight overpressure A dmittedly, electrolysis isn’t an entirely new process. Alessandro Volta presented his “voltaic pile” back in 1800. However, Enapter can still count itself among the pioneers in hydrogen electrolysis. This is because with its patented anion exchange membrane electrolyzers (AEM), the company based in Berlin, Germany, and Pisa, Italy, has a modular system in its portfolio that is designed to produce green hydrogen in a cost-effective and scalable manner. The first megawatt electrolyzer has now been put into operation. The system is controlled with technology from Phoenix Contact. The basis for the innovative hydrogen production system is water electrolysis. In this process, water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. What sounds so easy on paper is fiendishly difficult to turn into reality: The water molecule, that is to say the combination of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, is characterized by an intimate relationship between these atoms. A lot of energy is needed to separate these two elements. However, this energy will also be regained if the two separated components are allowed to come together again. 40 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine Hydrogen in stacks The process of converting electrical energy into chemical energy and then concentrating and processing it requires sophisticated control mechanisms. All the more so now that Enapter has designed its electrolyzers to be literally stackable. The individual production cells are connected to form so-called stacks. These stacks are so compact that they can be stacked like shoe boxes in a rack similar to those in server rooms. This modularity is one of the recipes for success for this innovative approach, as it makes adaptation to situations on site more flexible than with comparable systems. And even more so because the stacks are now manufactured on an industrial scale and in series production and have long since outgrown their technological infancy. The megawatt electrolyzer itself also relies on the box principle. It is housed in containers. The newly presented “AEM Multicore 450” has 420 AEM stacks installed, each with an output of 2.4 kilowatts. Up to 450 kilograms of hydrogen can be produced per day in the container assembled in this way. But it does not stop with stacks.

ENERGY FLOW “Not only our components, but also our advice, planning, and the documentation for the safety concept were incorporated into the electrolyzer at an early stage”. Andreas Lautmann, power-to-X expert, Phoenix Contact The container also houses a power supply, which is active both during operation and during downtimes. This is the case because electricity from renewable sources should only be supplied when it is not needed elsewhere, that is to say when it is being fed into the grid. Otherwise, the electrolyzer remains on standby. The AEM electrolyzer must be able to withstand these fluctuations in production times. It is also important to be able to control the process heat generated and the temperature of the water and electrolyte. And of course the product of the process, the hydrogen, must always be monitored for purity. → Andreas Lautmann (left) is an expert in power-to-X applications at Phoenix Contact With its prefabricated design, the “AEM Multicore 450” is quickly ready for use 41

ENERGY FLOW The early planner The first contact with Enapter took place in 2022, when an initial test system with 10 stacks was constructed. This was true pioneering work, which was realized together with the Münster University of Applied Sciences and in which all parties went through a steep learning curve. This small pilot system is still used by the university for training purposes today. Because of the experience gained, Phoenix Contact was involved in the megawatt electrolyzer right from the start. In addition to the power supply, connections, and Enapter The German-Italian company is building an 82,000 square meter campus in Saerbeck near Münster, where a large part of the production, research, and development of electrolyzers will be located in the future. The man behind Enapter is Sebastian-Justus Schmidt. The then General Manager of a software company moved to Chiang Mai in Thailand in 2004. A prototype of a hydrogen electrolyzer was installed in his house there a few years later. This was the first self-sufficient apartment building in the world to be powered by a hydrogen-based energy system. Schmidt took over the Italian manufacturing company ACTA in 2017 and renamed it Enapter (“en” from energy, “apter” from adapter). Enapter is building a campus in Saerbeck, Westphalia 42 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine controllers, functional safety also had to be integrated. Andreas Lautmann, a power-to-X expert at Phoenix Contact, emphasizes the importance of this early collaboration. “Our specialists set the course for a safe design-in at an early stage. If safety issues are only discovered later, during the engineering process, the project will usually take significantly longer. In developing the AEM electrolyzer, we were not just component suppliers – we also provided advice, planning, and the documentation for the safety concept”. The Business Development Manager considers this overall approach to be important and exemplary. “During the collaboration with Enapter and the Münster University of Applied Sciences, which was also a partner in this project, it became clear once again that a structured, well-documented process for design and engineering is critical for the safety of the overall system. In other words, safety is about more than just the use of certified components. This is applicable to all the relevant aspects of functional safety, explosion protection, cybersecurity, and, finally, the necessary CE marking in these systems.” Control under overpressure The control center of the system is gas-tight and separated from the process room. There is also a slight overpressure here, so that even in the event of a leak, no hydrogen can penetrate. Ayhan Birinci was project manager on the Phoenix Contact side and knows the system down to the last connector. “With the exception of a few fuses and circuit breakers, the control cabinets are equipped entirely with Phoenix Contact components. These include both real-time and safety-oriented control technology up to SIL 3. It also comprises network components, including a firewall for remote access. The operating panel and associated software were also supplied by Phoenix Contact”. The superordinate system controller was built with devices from the PLCnext product family. This controller fulfills such functions as ventilation and water pretreatment control, emergency shutdown capability, fill level monitoring, and electrolyte solution supply. Rounding out the control cabinet equipment are 24 V DC power supplies manufactured in-house as well as signal converters and connection technology for field cabling. In addition, the Phoenix Contact control cabinets were designed, documented, and produced ready-to-connect. First use with grid support For the pilot system, the energy for electrolysis is still drawn from the “normal” power grid. It is therefore necessary to convert the incoming 400 V alternating voltage. And the Phoenix Contact portfolio also had a solution for this, as →

ENERGY FLOW Working together for success: experts from Enapter, Münster University of Applied Sciences, and Phoenix Contact were involved in the prototype of the “AEM Multicore 450” Andreas Lautmann explains. “We had already figured out during engineering work that the originally planned AC/DC converter was not ideal. And so we replaced it with a converter from our Charx series. Its 19-inch-rack format is also ideal for easy installation”. The complete set of AC/DC converters used in the AEM electrolyzer generates 1 megawatt of power. Ayhan Birinci adds, “If, for example, a connection is made to a solar field and thus to a power generation system that already works with direct current, then we will work with a suitable DC/DC converter that processes the solar power in an appropriate and controlled manner”. Hydrogen from a scalable and process- reliable system that can be set up as a mobile unit and only needs to be preinstalled and adapted to the place of use? It is no surprise that additional AEM multicore systems had been ordered by the time the pilot system was inaugurated. “Our AEM technology will make hydrogen more economical than fossil fuels in the coming years”, says the head of Enapter, CEO Sebastian-Justus Schmidt, with conviction. (lo) enapter.com Gray hydrogen Blue hydrogen Green hydrogen Established process for hydrogen production. Both the energy required and the raw materials come from fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas. At temperatures of 700 to 1,000°C and with the help of steam, hydrogen is extracted from a methane source and enriched in further reaction steps. The process is efficient and has been tried and tested. And, unfortunately, harmful to the climate, because every kilogram of gray hydrogen is “paid for” with seven kilograms of carbon dioxide. 95 percent of the hydrogen produced today is gray. The process is identical to the production of gray hydrogen. The raw materials here are also fossil fuels, from which methane vapor is extracted and then hydrogen is separated. However, the carbon dioxide released is captured and either stored (injection into underground sandstone layers) or reused in the chemical industry. H₂ H₂ The production of hydrogen by electrolysis. Renewably generated energy is used to split water into its components – oxygen and hydrogen. No carbon dioxide is released. However, there is still room for improvement in the energy balance, which is why just a fraction of hydrogen has been produced with this green approach. H₂ 44 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

AEM electrolysis Electricity generated from renewable sources is used in its DC format to produce green hydrogen. The two electrodes are situated in a container, the so-called cell. The anode and cathode are separated by a partially permeable membrane. An alkali or acid serves as the electrolyte. When an electric current is applied to the electrodes (cathode, negative pole and anode, positive pole), a chemical reaction takes place at both electrodes. Hydrogen is released at the cathode and oxygen is released at the anode. A single hydrogen atom and a residual molecule – OH- – are formed. The extremely reactive single hydrogen atom immediately combines with another hydrogen atom and is then transported away and collected via a gas diffusion layer. The cell is divided by a membrane to keep the two parts of the split water molecule reliably separated. This is because if they were to come together, they would immediately recombine. And with a bang. If this reaction occurs in an uncontrolled manner, it is referred to as an oxyhydrogen reaction. In the process used by Enapter, only a highly diluted potassium hydroxide solution is used instead of the usual strong acids. With acids, platinum and titanium are needed for the container and electrodes so that they are resistant over the long term to these aggressive substances. Steel and non-precious metals are sufficient for the AEM electrolyzer. This makes the electrolyzer significantly cheaper and easier to use. With a sophisticated pressurization system between the half cells, Enapter can achieve a high degree of purity of the hydrogen obtained. (lo) phoenixcontact.com/power-to-x Water Anode Cathode Bipolar plate ① Water soaks the membrane and thus migrates from the anode to the cathode ② Hydrogen is produced at the cathode and escapes via the gas diffusion layer ③ OH- moves across the membrane back to the anode ④ Oxygen is formed from the OH- at the anode and is transported away via the diffusion layer Gas diffusion layer Membrane Gas diffusion layer Source: Enapter The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/23 45

I n themselves, secondary substations, also known as transformer stations, are rather boring hulks that are scattered around the city and countryside and do not receive much attention. Inside, the currents that our civilized life requires flow from a high-voltage supply line via medium and low-voltage switch panels to the connected loads and end users. Naturally, the treasure chest – which has been erected in the middle of the All Electric Society Park at the entrance to Phoenix Contact’s premises – also accomplishes this task. Just with more attention. And it is certainly not boring. This is because the transformer station is the central electrical hub within the sensational technology park. At the same time, this automated command center for electricity flows shows what is possible today in terms of sustainability. INNOVATION There will only be one Sarah Pyritz is responsible for communications relating to the All Electric Society Park in Blomberg. The qualified engineer explains when visiting the site, that “Our park is setting off a whole fireworks display of innovations that are intended to show how Phoenix Contact can implement and realize the vision of the All Electric Society”. She points out the two most striking systems in the park. “Our two movable solar trackers follow the star at the center of our solar system in their effort to capture the power of the sun. And an eye-catching wind tree ensures that the power of the wind does not escape unused across the company premises”. Powerful battery storage systems are used to store the captured energy so that it can be fed into the grid without fluctuations. And numerous other energy generators are used to supply heat pumps to generate the right levels of heat and cooling. High-tech diet: the transformer station has been made to be 15 metric tons lighter with innovative manufacturing 48 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

The wind tree is not only decorative, but also an innovative wind turbine generator Engineer Sarah Pyritz is an expert when it comes to Phoenix Contact’s new calling card “The All Electric Society Park is setting off a whole firework display of innovations”. Sarah Pyritz, Corporate Communications, Phoenix Contact Sarah Pyritz points to one after the next. “Power generation, power storage, and power consumption are combined in the park in a very small space. The system is controlled and monitored in the transformer station”. It has a lot to offer. And a lot on it. Immediately on first glance, it is clear to see that the station has greenery on its roof and walls. What looks like a purely visual touch in rural Blomberg is actually an important contribution to the microclimate in densely populated inner cities. The mechanical engineer is fully versed in the special features. “Where there are normally solid walls, we have installed special safety windows that allow visitors to look inside the station. The windows are made of panes of safety glass in case any potential sparkovers cause an explosive expansion of the surrounding air. If this were to happen, the resulting overpressure can escape through special openings in the doors. After all, the energies in a transformer station are immense”. The two transformers – used to convert the electricity from the various generators to the required voltage for feeding into the company grid or to convert the medium voltage of the incoming lines to usable low voltage – are the most striking focal point. The squeaky green monsters are cooled with biodegradable ester and not with the mineral oil normally used. The medium and low-voltage switchgear with its current transformers, switch disconnectors, and fuses can also be seen through the windows, use air as an insulating medium instead of the more usual SF6, an insulating gas that is extremely harmful to the climate. → The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/23 49

Durable lightweight Special attention was paid to the shell that wraps around the functional components. The shells are usually made of reinforced concrete. However, this is considered to be “pre-polluted” due to its cement content. The production of the binding agent alone, cement, is responsible for around 10 percent of global carbon emissions. But without this “superglue”, which is mixed with water to bond sand and gravel, concrete would not be possible. But in this case, less is more. This is why the specialists at the Betonbau BBD specialist construction company in Bockenem, Lower Saxony, opted to use carbon for Phoenix Contact. Andreas Flandermeier is responsible for the transformer housing at Phoenix Contact. During a visit to the plant in Bockenem, he explains, “Carbon concrete is a composite material made from two high-performance materials. Carbon fibers can be used in concrete as fabric or as rods. Both were used here”. INNOVATION The innovative mesh is encased in fine concrete in large casting stations. The roof panel is cut out in the process. With this design, the heavy transformers can be eased simply into the functional building from above once the station has reached its final location. Only then is “the cover put on”. But what is so special about carbon concrete? Andreas Flandermeier points to the window opening, which is still open and allows a view of the profile. “With classic reinforced concrete, concrete flows around the steel, which gives it its tensile strength. But steel rusts and is sensitive to environmental influences. The concrete is therefore very thick, also to protect the steel. Carbon, on the other hand, does not rust. The amount of concrete used can be significantly reduced by using thinner- walled components. And with significantly better performance values. Carbon concrete has seven times the tensile strength and is less susceptible to cracking. And because neither rust nor cracks are an issue, the service life is also increased”. Carbon concrete also consists largely of sand and gravel The mesh, whether made of steel or carbon, is surrounded by concrete in huge casting stations 50 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

“Our transformer station is a one-off that will probably never be replicated”. Andreas Flandermeier, Phoenix Contact All in all, using carbon concrete significantly reduces energy consumption and therefore carbon emissions compared to conventional concrete construction projects. However, the costs are still not competitive. “Naturally, our transformer station is a one-off that will probably never be replicated”. Sarah Pyritz says, considering the investment. “But we can demonstrate here what is already technically possible today. And we are also looking to the future with a number of innovations”, says the engineer and communications expert. (lo) betonbau.com Because carbon concrete is significantly lighter than conventional reinforced concrete, it is easier to transport and install The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/23 51

The All Electric Society Park Free entry The All Electric Society Park was officially opened on September 1, 2023. The park is not only open to the public, it also makes it possible to experience the vision of the All Electric Society free of charge. The buildings explaining the technology and background of the All Electric Society Park are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Address: Flachsmarktstrasse 8, 32825 Blomberg, Germany An overview of the new Phoenix Contact landmark in Blomberg Electrical power distribution E-mobility Energy conversion to hydrogen Battery storage system Thermal power distribution Water and environmental solutions Wind power Solar power Secondary substation Transportation infrastructure Building automation Factory automation 52 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

ARCHITECTURE H uge round “solar sails” follow the course of the star at the center of our solar system. The metal “leaves” of a wind tree turn almost silently. Glass cubes open their doors, a walk-in wind nacelle is waiting to be discovered, and in the background, energy flows into cars or e-bikes via fast charging stations. Anyone driving past the large solar trackers may initially think of a sculpture, of a sensational but otherwise almost normal traffic route around the entrance to a multinational company. But if they take the time to embark on a journey of discovery through the park spread over more than 7,800 square meters, they will quickly find themselves in a fascinating world of power generation, its flow and storage, battery and ice storage systems, e-mobility, heat and cold generation, and sustainable use. (lo) phoenixcontact.com 7,860 square meters of space 7 kilometers of power cables 12 kilometers of data cables €25 m. invested in the project The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/23 53

In Lövenich, Germany, four old turbines are making way for two new large wind turbines M eeting point wasteland: In Lövenich, near the large Rhenish lignite mining area, old turbines have to make way for new ones. Repowering is the order of the day. The energy service provider Engie has been operating eight AN BONUS/Siemens turbines with a total output of 10.4 megawatts here since 2001. Four of the old turbines, each of 1.3 megawatts, are being replaced by two new turbines, each with 5 megawatts. We have an appointment with Mareike Brinkmeyer and Bernd Weidmann. Each of them is an expert in recycling disused wind turbines. The gentle destroyers Mareike Brinkmeyer is a sales employee at Hagedorn Service GmbH. The East Westphalian company in Gütersloh, Germany, and is passionate about destroying is headquartered what others have built up over the years. The range of services extends from the demolition and remediation of contaminated sites to disposal, civil engineering, and reconditioning of the cleared area. “Here in Lövenich, we first have the task of professionally dismantling four old wind turbine generators”, explains the trained urban planner, who has been employed by Hagedorn since 2020. “At Hagedorn, we specialize in dismantling wind turbine generators, among other things, but we also dismantle large-scale facilities such as power stations and factories. That said, we are receiving an increasing number of orders in the wind energy sector”. Brinkmeyer describes how the wind turbine is dismantled. “First we remove the blades with a heavy-duty crane. Individually, the blades easily weigh four and a half metric tons – so a careful 56 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

MATERIAL CYCLE approach is required. Then we dismantle the nacelle and the hub. The nacelle alone places a load of 50 metric tons on the crane. Then we remove the tower piece by piece. Here, this consists of three steel segments. In the case of concrete, our own demolition team may also carry out a controlled explosion. Or we take a cable excavator and a wrecking ball and get to work conventionally. This always depends on the situation on site, the space, other systems, the lines, and the buildings within range. The dismantled systems are then recycled”. Most of the systems that Hagedorn is currently dismantling are no longer covered by the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) subsidy program and are 25 years old and older. “When this is the case, it is not worth continuing operation, even though the turbines are often capable of running for decades more. What is resold is what is in demand on the market. Machine houses are often sold in one piece, but towers can also be reassembled a second time at a different location if technically possible”. The revitalizers Bernd Weidmann knows how to launch careers. The 55-year-old was not only a passionate footballer. The trained industrial clerk calls himself a platform economist. And he knows what he is talking about, because before he discovered the wind turbine market for himself, he set up the most successful horse sales exchange of its time in Europe (pferde.de). And, almost incidentally, also gave his home town access to the Internet with the local website main-kinzig-kreis.com at the end of the 1990s. → “In the platform economy, the Highlander principle applies: ‘There can only be one’”. Bernd Weidmann, wind-turbine.com Bernd Weidmann is an expert in business platforms Expert view – a number of wind turbine generators can experience a second spring if carefully dismantled The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/23 57

The old Siemens turbine is being replaced by a new, large wind turbine How did he end up in renewable energies? “In 2011, I really wanted to establish a b2b platform. Fukushima, the energy revolution, the climate crisis – I wanted to build the largest platform for used wind turbine generators in the world”. He secured the domain wind-turbine. com for a hefty $9,000 and began to build up contacts within the industry. And the potential for used turbines to change hands. “The first turbine was an Enercon E17. A local farmer called me and said he had an old Enercon that needed to be removed from his field. He would even give it away or donate it to a museum. Instead, I told him that we should try to sell it. The farmer sent me the Polaroid pictures by post first, and then I set up the process myself. And indeed, there was an operator just 50 kilometers away who was still using this ancient plant. And a generator had broken down. He then drove over with his tractor and picked up the system. And bang, I had made two farmers happy”. Nevertheless, it still took some time for Weidmann to establish himself within the scene. “I am primarily a businessman, not one of those wind pioneers with my own turbine in the front garden. But then, in 2015, the breakthrough came. The first of the well-known companies approached me at the Husum trade fair”. Then things took off rapidly. Weidmann took over the then market leader from the Netherlands in 2016, making it the international leader in the market for used wind turbine generators. “We do not make the sale ourselves, we broker sales, similar to mobile.de, for example. 60 to 70 percent of all sales are set up by brokers. And more than 90 percent of buyers are active internationally, with a large proportion coming from Eastern Europe”. While walking among the old wind turbines, Bernd Weidmann explains that there are also visitors to his platform from more than 190 countries worldwide. “Eastern Europe has an advantage when it comes to used equipment from Germany due to its geographical proximity. But there are now also turbines in North Africa and South America”, The buyers come from very different sectors, from a hotel group in Nigeria to small energy 58 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

entrepreneurs in Peru. “When it comes to dismantling, transportation, and reassembly, you are looking at €200,000 to €500,000, but not five million. And if the systems are well maintained, they will easily last another 10 to 15 years, maybe even longer”. Market with potential Clearly “expensive special waste” is nowhere in sight – the two experts squint into the sun. The market will continue to grow in the future, as many turbines are coming to the end of the subsidy-program terms. And at the same time, new operators are jumping onto the bandwagon. “We sent quotations to more than 280 customers in 2020 alone”, says Mareike Brinkmeyer. And Bernd Weidmann outlines the bigger picture. “We orchestrate the international market via our platform and establish contacts between buyers and sellers as a trustworthy authority. Our motivation is to accelerate the energy revolution globally with the help of digitalization – ideally with German technology and our expertise”. (lo) wind-turbine.com hagedorn.com Clearing up prejudices: Bernd Weidmann knows that used wind turbine generators are coveted investment goods The smaller wind turbine generators in particular have steel towers that are ideal for rebuilding 595959

10 years of Phoenix Contact E-Mobility Happy Birthday 2023 is a special year for Phoenix Contact – the company became 100 years old. Part of this success story is the founding of the e-mobility subsidiary: 10 years ago, the internal startup was launched in Schieder- Schwalenberg, North Rhine-Westphalia. Back then, there were a total of 23 employees. Today, the company is a global specialist in e-mobility charging technology with 1,000 employees and three manufacturing sites – one each in Germany, Poland, and China. The company is known among other things for its CCS charging cable as well as its liquid-cooled charging connector for ultra-fast High Power Charging. phoenixcontact.com/en-us/industries/e-mobility BEHIND THE SCENES Product of the year Left works as well The left-alignable extension modules for PLCnext Control were voted Product of the Year 2022 by “Computer & Automation” magazine. Every year, the magazine’s editorial team shortlists almost 500 new product developments. At the end of the year, products with a particular degree of innovation are selected from the new products. The left-alignable extension modules are used in control cabinet building for controlling machines and systems. Programmable logic controllers (PLC for short) consist of a main controller and extension modules, which are normally aligned on the right. A new feature is that the PLCnext extension modules can be aligned on the left. The controller portfolio includes devices of different performance classes, such as Ethernet interfaces and artificial intelligence modules. phoenixcontact.com/en-gb/events-and-news/news/left- alignable-extension-modules-for-plc-next-control-devices Technology offensive An alliance for DC Direct current is an important component of the energy revolution. Using DC, systems consume up to 10 percent less energy. The newly founded Open Direct Current Alliance (ODCA) has set itself the goal of establishing direct current technology worldwide. Phoenix Contact is also one of the founding members. “Using direct current represents clear advantages for a modern, industrial power grid. These include the efficient integration of renewable energies, lower resource consumption, stable grids, and an open system for users”, explains Dominik Maihöfner from the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (ZVEI). “We are seeing time and again that our company can make a relevant contribution to direct current technology in the industry”, says Dr. Martin Wetter, who is in charge of direct current at Phoenix Contact and represents the East Westphalian company in the ODCA. He is happy with the good cooperation in higher-level research projects. odca.zvei.org 60 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine Team DC: Dr. Christian Helmig and Dr. Martin Wetter (from left)

BEHIND THE SCENES Representing the signal conditioner team at Phoenix Contact: Yves Hackl, Veith Thielecke, and Dr. Martin Wetter (from left) Awards for innovations Gold award at the German Innovation Awards 2023 The German Design Council gave the German Innovation Award to the new Ex i versions of the slim 6.2 mm Mini Analog Pro signal conditioner family with SIL 3. In the main category “Excellence in Business-to- Business”, the independent jury of representatives from the fields of business, design, and science chose Phoenix Contact as the Gold Winner for groundbreaking achievements in the industry. Dr. Martin Wetter, Executive Vice President Innovation of the Business Area ICE (Industrial Components and Electronics), was visibly proud. “At just 6.2 millimeters wide, the Mini Analog Pro combines explosion protection and functional safety in a single device”, he said. “For this reason, this miracle of miniaturization has more than 10 patents for housing, analog, and measurement technology”. The space savings of up to 50 percent compared to current solutions also impressed the jury. With the German honors the design of products and solutions across all sectors of industry, which particularly focus on the user and provide added value over existing solutions. One of the aims of the Innovation Award is to make these products and solutions visible to a wide audience. Innovation Award, the council german-innovation-award.de/en/ Raw material recycling Best in class No competition for sustainability Daniel Schubert receives award in Berlin Phoenix Contact has been recognized for its efforts in a study conducted by RWTH Aachen University on the circular economy. “We have to view used products as a valuable source of raw materials”, says Lennart Gorholt, who is responsible for sustainability at Phoenix Contact. It is therefore important that sustainable action within normal competition does not fall by the wayside due to competitive thinking. https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/~a/root/?lidx=1 A great day for Daniel Schubert. He completed his training as an IT specialist for application development at Phoenix Contact in 2022 as the best IHK student in Germany. He was honored for this achievement in Berlin by Federal Minister of Labor, Hubertus Heil, and the President of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), Peter Adrian. Schubert is one of 216 Best in Germany winners from 208 apprenticeship disciplines. Daniel is now studying Computer Engineering at the OWL University of Applied Sciences in Lemgo as a student with practical study blocks. During his semester holidays, he works on future subjects such as augmented reality and virtual reality. First an apprenticeship, and then a study program? “I really recommend it. This means I have a lot of practical experience. With the prior knowledge that I have acquired in this way, I can concentrate much better on my actual studies”. dihk.de/en The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/23 61

BEHIND THE SCENES Politicians and celebrities in the new building With glitz and glamor The 100th anniversary of Phoenix Contact also attracted the Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia to Blomberg: Hendrik Wüst was one of the speakers at the inaugural event in the new Building 60 on June 1. A worthy setting to kick off the anniversary celebrations, at which the Executive Board and Klaus Eisert were of course also present. “This building will represent how we manage this location in the future”, said CEO Frank Stührenberg. “A company that has shaped the economy and our times”, said Minister President Wüst, paying compliments. He also explicitly thanked the employees for their “great contribution to Germany as a country of innovation”. Minister President Hendrik Wüst in Blomberg AgriTech Day 2023 Phoenix Contact goes agricultural No participants arrived by tractor. But they could have. At least some of them. Phoenix Contact hosted the first AgriTech Day in Schieder-Schwalenberg together with its subsidiary, Pulsotronic. In addition to true farming professionals, around 100 scientists, industry representatives, and agricultural bloggers were on hand to discuss the digitalization of agriculture. There was huge interest in the event and lively participation in the panel discussion, trade fair, and specialist events. Why at industrial automation specialist Phoenix Contact of all companies? “Electrification, networking, and automation is not only the DNA of Phoenix Contact, but also an important building block in the future of agriculture”, said Andreas Rau, Executive Vice President Corporate Development & New Business, in a concluding summary of an exciting event. www.pulsotronic.de/en/ Unusual visit to Phoenix Contact 62 UPDATE 2/23 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine SPT modular PCB terminal block Two awards The SPT modular PCB terminal block made a lasting impression on the juries at two separate awards ceremonies. At the end of March, the product innovation was the Gold Stevie Winner at the German Stevie Awards 2023 in the category “Business Technology Solution – Manufacturing Solutions”. In May, the PCB terminal block also received the German Innovation Award 2023 in the “Special Mention” category. With a sophisticated approach, SPT modular offers a solution for manufacturers who require tailored connection solutions. With the PCB terminal block, digitalization ensures the rapid availability of products, easy handling, and an almost unlimited number of possible combinations. The German Stevie Award is a cross- industry award that recognizes the achievements of companies in the German- speaking regions of Europe. In total, the jury reviewed over 400 submissions. The German Innovation Award recognizes products, technologies, and services that break new, innovative ground, provide solutions, and stand out for their added value for users and the environment. stevieawards.com/gsa (German only)

The next issue will be published during the winter, 2023/24: Careers Phoenix Contact is not just a family business with a 100-year history. It is also a melting pot of knowledge and a meeting place for very different backgrounds and professions. This applies both to employees as well as to our customers. SOFTWARE ENGINEERING The queen bee Why a new “building” was created at the Bad Pyrmont location and what it has to do with Maya the Bee. WIND POWER SAFETY The abseilers Anyone wanting to work in this team does not just have to be an excellent technician and a good engineer. A good head for heights also needs to be worked on. E-MOBILITY Ten years of Frank2 The e-mobility experts at Phoenix Contact are celebrating two milestone anniversaries. An interview with four architects of the mobility revolution. Legal notice Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG Corporate Communications Lutz Odewald (Editor-in-Chief) Telephone: +49 5235 3-42153 Email: lodewald@phoenixcontact.com Design and implementation: Corporate Communications, Graphic Design Image credits: Cover image: © Shutterstock, marukopum © Shutterstock: 2, 6, 7, 63 André Köller: 3, 8 ff., 18 ff., 48/49 Thomas Franz: 26 ff., 38 ff. 46/47 Lutz Odewald: 32 ff., 50 ff., 54 ff. From the industry: TU Dresden/Stefan Gröschel Copyright © 2023 Phoenix Contact All rights reserved.