PHOENIX CONTACT | UPDATE - The innovation magazine from Phoenix Contact

T H E E A RT H – FA C T S A N D F I G U R E S The earth’s structure 12,700 km Diameter of the planet 40,000 km Length of the equator 1,670 km/h Speed of Earth’s rotation 4.6 billion years The earth’s age Humus composition in % 32.1 30.1 15.1 13.9 26 Fe Iron 55.845 16 S Sulfur 8 O Oxygen 15.999 28 Ni Nickel 32.067 58.693 14 Si Silicon 12 Mg Magnesium 28.085 24.305 20 Ca Calcium 40.078 13 Al Aluminum 26.981 2.9 1.8 1.5 1.4 Hottest and coldest record in °C +56.7 Death Valley, USA, July 1913 German research station, Vostok (Antarctica), July 1983 -89.2 35 km Thick, solid crust 2,900 km Thick, viscous rock of the earth’s mantle 2,200 km Thickness of the earth’s thin outer core (consisting of iron and nickel at over 5,000 °C) 1,270 km Thickness of the earth’s solid inner core (consisting of iron and nickel at over 6,000 °C) Holes in the ground in m Deepest natural hole (sinkhole): Xiaozhai Tiankeng, China 0 6 6 Largest iron ore mine in the world: Kiruna, Sweden (26 million t crude ore/year) 5 6 3 1 , Deepest mine in the world: Western Deep Levels, a gold mine in South Africa 0 0 9 3 , 4 2 9 0 1 , 2 6 2 2 1 , Lowest point on the seabed: Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean Deepest borehole in the ground: Kola Peninsula in Russia Organic composition of the planet in % Air Water 23 25 Organic substance 7 Bacteria/Actinomycetes Plant roots 10 Edaphon (soil flora/fauna) 5 40 12 45 85 Mineral substance Humus Fungus/algae 40 Earthworms 5 3 Other microfauna Micro/ mesofauna 2 UPDATE 2/21 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

Angela Josephs, Senior Director Public Affairs E D I T O R I A L We make it possible Dear readers, Green New Deal, energy revolution, climate protection. Do those terms match up with the industrial sector? It is part of the problem, many think. “We are part of the solution,” is what the electrical industry says. And at Phoenix Contact, we say that we are making a significant contribution to this solution. Renewable energy generation, distribution, and storage would be impossible without electrification, digitalization, and automation. E-mobility, sector coupling, Power-to-X: our fields, our strengths. That’s why we think of ourselves as leaders and not just following the pack. And we are drawing up our own roadmap. By 2030, we want our entire value chain to be climate-neutral. That’s why we are a sponsoring company of Foundation 2°, in which German corporate boards actively promote climate protection. After all, the industrial sector wants to play an active role in shaping climate protection while being successful in international competition at the same time. To accomplish this, government policies have to be reliable. And a framework that protects the high levels of investment in transformation is needed. Foundation 2° establishes a dialog between policymakers and business. Companies formulate what they need in order to practice corporate climate protection. In processes, in production, and with their own products. In the circle of Foundation 2° members, Phoenix Contact sees itself as part of an alliance that makes its voice heard. As a family-owned company with almost 100 years of tradition, Phoenix Contact embraced sustainability long before the term transcended forestry into the overall economy. Earth is one of the four elements that are the building blocks of life and the focus of this issue. The encounters between Phoenix Contact’s technology and this natural element are as diverse as the element itself. We wish you happy reading! The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/21 3

The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine Earth Earth, whether as a raw material, a building site, traversed or tunneled, cultivated or mined; it’s the focus of our second edition in 2021. In Hamburg, the largest excavation pit in Europe was still gaping open this spring. Let’s see what’s down there 08 Smart Building Construction cranes, steel mats, and concrete lifts – they’re guests in Hamburg’s Überseequartier. Why is a team from Phoenix Contact already on-site? | 08 The building whisperer He comes from the world of IT and is turning the division of roles in the construction industry upside down. A conversation with Bernhard Tillmanns | 16 IT meets Smart Building – new perspectives for smart buildings 16 2

S I G N P O S T Raw materials from Chile – a global issue 34 What is Dirk Görlitzer, the new COO, doing at the quarry? 48 Berries love the soil in Büren – and so do solar power technicians 40 Earthquakes are forces of nature. But you can warn that they are coming 20 When space is scarce and cars are expensive, they are driven into the pit 30 EARTHQUAKES A warning from Mother Earth For Jürgen Przybylak, a few seconds are all it takes to save millions of lives | 20 RAW MATERIAL EXTRACTION Copper and lithium Without Chile’s mineral resources, the All Electric Society will remain a pipe dream | 34 INTERVIEW COO in the quarry For Dirk Görlitzer, heated discussion is a part of the everyday routine. An interview between dust and stone | 48 TUNNELS Intelligence in the tube Three tunnels, one system – and innovation in record time | 26 PARKING SYSTEM An understated parking solution Klaus Multiparking makes vehicles disappear as if by magic. Phoenix Contact helps make it happen | 30 AGRIVOLTAICS Berries from Büren A smart solution to the frequent conflicts between solar systems and agricultural land | 40 E-MOBILITY A clean disrupter Who says that e-mobility is slow and boring? | 44 Editorial | 03 From the industry | 06 Behind the scenes | 52 Legal information | 55 Preview | 55 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/21 5

Escape to the water Offshore wind power with steadily high growth rates About two-thirds of the earth’s surface is covered in water. These vast areas attract wind turbine builders like bees to honey. Offshore was also booming in 2020. Worldwide, wind turbines with a total output of 5.2 gigawatts were installed in 2020, which was a further increase over the previous year. According to the World Forum Offshore Wind (WFO), a total of 163 wind farms have now been built in the world’s oceans. The UK leads the way with 10.4 GW. Germany is still in second place (7.7 GW), closely followed by China (7.1 GW). But of the 5.2 GW of new capacity, 2.0 GW is accounted for by China. Currently, wind farms with a capacity of 4.4 GW are under construction there. In Germany, no further wind farms will be connected to the grid in 2021. wfo-global.org B E H I N D T H E S C E N E S Power from paste Hydrogen storage without pressure or cooling manner, the hydrogen is released again. Only half of it comes from the paste; the rest is extracted from the water. This provides an excellent energy storage density that approaches that of gasoline. fraunhofer.com Magnesium hydride is the basis of an innovative way to store and use hydrogen, as recently presented by a team of researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Applied Materials Research (IFAM) in Dresden, Germany. Until now, hydrogen has been liquefied under high pressure and extreme cooling. With a paste, it is possible to store hydrogen at room temperature and at ambient pressure. The paste is made from powdered magnesium. At 350 °C and a pressure of around six bar, hydrogen is added and bound as magnesium hydride. The mixture is further enriched with ester and metallic salt. It can be stored in a cartridge, for example. When tap water is added in a controlled The lithium fishermen from the Upper Rhine Is Germany becoming a supplier of raw materials again? Surprise! Thermal water isn’t just beneficial for the body. It can also become an important supplier of raw materials. The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is conducting research on this. The scientists from Baden have developed a process that is capable of extracting lithium from the thermal water found in deep rock layers beneath the Rhine Rift Valley. According to the scientists, up to 200 milligrams per liter can be obtained. The possibility of extracting the coveted raw material virtually at our own front door is not the only appealing aspect. The way it works, ion filtration, enrichment, and precipitation, has almost without no impact on the environment. This is because the water is taken from existing geothermal plants, through which up to two billion liters of water flow each year. Extraction is continuous; there is no excavation involved, and hardly any extra space is needed. And the geothermal plant itself provides the required energy. Developing this potential raw material “land of milk and honey” will now be tested with an initial test system. kit.edu Lithium from a geothermal power plant in the Rhine Rift Valley 6 UPDATE 2/21 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

Top 10 railroad tunnels Ingenious masterpieces of rail transport Tunnels are not just indispensable when it comes to transport infrastructure, especially in mega cities. They are also technological masterpieces – the longer the tunnel, the more effort involved. Below, we’ll present a small hit parade of the longest concrete railroad tubes in the world: 1. Gotthard Base Tunnel 57 km, Switzerland 2. Seikan Tunnel 53.9 km, Japan 3. Eurotunnel 50.5 km, France/United Kingdom 4. Yulhyeon Tunnel 50.3 km, Korea 5. Lötschberg tunnel 32.7 km, Switzerland 6. New Guanjiao Tunnel 32.6 km, China 7. Guadarrama Tunnel 28.4 km, Spain 8. West Qingling Tunnel 28.2 km, China 9. Taihangshan Tunnel 27.8 km, China 10. Hakkoda Tunnel 26.5 km, Japan The longest tunnel of all is the Päljänne Tunnel in Finland, which at 119.6 km provides the water supply for the capital Helsinki. The longest subway tunnel is 69.7 km long and was put into operation in China in 2020. B E H I N D T H E S C E N E S Intelligent fire protection Startup uses AI to detect fire In Germany alone, 6,000 people were injured by fire and smoke in the past year. That resulted in an insurance loss of around 1.2 billion euros, and the trend is increasing – despite smoke detectors and fire suppression systems. Guardian Technologies GmbH relies on a combination of artificial intelligence and sophisticated sensor technology to detect fires. Their fire protection system incorporates a sensor that operates in the near-infrared range. It covers the entire monitored room in high resolution and provides images that are similar to those of normal thermal imaging cameras – but much more precise. The images are detected and assessed using a learning algorithm. It recognizes the difference between an open flame and a tea light. In manufacturing, for example, every fire is reported, and in residential areas it can evaluate whether a fireplace is safe. Detection is lightning-fast, ensuring that the extinguishing agents used in an emergency are used very sparingly. This drastically reduces expensive consequential damage caused by extinguishing water or foam. guardian-technologies.com Energetic residue recyclers Raw material recovery from recycled polyethylene Plastic is a growing problem. This is because residual plastic decomposes into microplastics and is accumulating in increasingly large quantities in our bodies through the food chains – and the effects still unknown. Scientists at Washington State University have developed a method to extract valuable raw material from this undesirable material. Through a catalytic process, the commonly used plastic polyethylene is converted into jet fuel and high-quality lubricants. The core of the process is a ruthenium-carbon catalyst. Using a solvent, around 90 percent of the plastic waste can be converted – quickly, without energy issues, and in a manner that is easily controlled in terms of process technology. The project is still in the research stage, but is already being tested for its scalability and future use in the industrial sector. wsu.edu 7

S M A RT B U I L D I N G A few meters away, the waves of the Elbe River wash over the walls of the quay. The pressure the river exerts on the excavation pit, which is a good 15 meters deep, is enormous. Reinforced concrete walls more than one meter thick stand strong against these forces. But what are building automation specialists from East Westphalia up to at this early stage of shell construction? To answer this question, Michael Prior grabbed his construction helmet and swapped his leather shoes for sturdy safety boots. Since 2015, right from the start of activities on the massive construction site, the graduate mechanical engineer and experienced project manager has been active in the service of the world’s leading flagship destination operator. A few steps separate the planning office of Unibail- Rodamco-Westfield from this “El Dorado” of 24 construction cranes, close-meshed reinforcing steel, and pumping concrete lifts. Beyond the entrance, which is monitored by an attentive gatekeeper who, in addition to helmet and vest, also makes sure that the workers are equipped with mouth and nose protection, there are safety and hygiene measures in place for the 400 or so construction workers on site. Snapshot: The buildings are growing taller practically by the hour The Dortmund native is well-versed in building technology and has already automated buildings of all types. He has worked for Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and its predecessor companies as Head of Engineering Germany since 2008, and in this capacity, he has seen quite a few properties come into being and brought them up to the state of the art. “In 2017, I then set up my own office and advised clients in the field of technology and project management,” Prior says with a smile. “Well, and shortly after that, my old employer got in touch with me with the challenge of the Hamburg project. And there I was and still am: Back in the thick of it, as if nothing had changed.” A glimpse into the depths At the edge of the excavation pit, it becomes obvious why the experienced specialist is needed. The Südliches Überseequartier is a construction site of extremes: Since construction began in 2017, one million tons of earth have been moved to create space for the three underground floors with their underground garages, delivery facilities, utilities, and a bus terminal. That would be enough to fill up the Inner Alster a good one and a half times. Around 200,000 tons of the earth were removed by ship. A complete subway line (the new U4) was partially 10 UPDATE 2/21 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

1,300 Foundation piles 2,600 Support pillars Bernhard Tillmanns, Frederic Busse, and Michael Prior (from left) at the edge of the large excavation pit. “We bring our experience from industrial automation processes to building automation.” Frederic Busse, Project Manager Building Automation Phoenix Contact uncovered and specially assembled with sensitive sensor technology to prevent structural damage to the reinforced concrete tube. Among other things, 1,300 foundation piles were driven in here at depths of up to 18 meters to provide a secure foundation for the 14 buildings in the complex. To prevent the walls and the tubes from shaking, everything has to be carefully prepared,” said Michael Prior. The northern Überseequartier was officially opened on October 23, 2010. “We will follow up with the Westfield Hamburg-Südliches Überseequartier in 2023,” Prior tells us optimistically, in full view of the imposing construction pit. “In the southern construction area, the basement floors are almost completed and the building shells are getting taller. In the northern construction area, the shell has now reached the first floor and the upper floors are slowly taking shape.” Obviously, public construction projects and those in private hands do not differ in terms of size, but they do in terms of planning and execution, adherence to schedules, and cost development. With bemused thoughts about the idea of a proper international airport finally being completed in Berlin or the massive underground rail station in Stuttgart, both of which faced constant delays over many years, we follow Michael Prior to one of the entrances and exits deep down into the still-open underground level of Hamburg’s latest flagship building. “The project is very important for Unibail-Rodamco- Westfield at the moment, not just because of its sheer size, but also because of the many different ways it will be used that will create a vibrant urban neighborhood. This is also one of our global lighthouse projects,” explained the 57-year-old real estate expert. “We are enhancing the attractiveness of Hamburg’s city center and increasing the city’s national and international appeal.” à The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/21 11

A new way of thinking on the Elbe With the early involvement of Phoenix Contact, Unibail- Rodamco-Westfield is breaking new ground. As Michael Prior explains, “Let’s first look at the traditional way of working. As a project developer, we have handled projects using the usual individual contracting method. Planning, tendering, bidding process, contract award. That’s how we’ve been operating for a good 15 years.” Looking across the huge construction site, Michael Prior continues. “We are not just building a shopping mall here. It’s an area with very different users and needs. Later, it has to become a functioning technical unit, despite the complexity of the different trades and technologies. Take refrigeration, for example. We are building it for the retail sector, not just for ourselves. The hotels and even the cinema building will also be connected to it. Or electricity, which has to serve very different needs, depending on how it’s used. In addition, there is an overarching fire protection management system for the entire district. There are many other examples of similar situations. After intensive internal discussions, we realized that we had to completely re-examine comprehensive building automation. And it was clear to us that we would not get anywhere with a classical planner using standard technology. Our à 12 UPDATE 2/21 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

The Westfield Hamburg Überseequartier Hamburg’s city center is being enriched by a fascinating district 14 individual buildings make up the new complex 650 apartments make the district vibrant 830 hotel rooms are distributed across three hotels 200 shops and restaurants 4,000 office workplaces 1 multiplex cinema 2,500 parking spaces, most of them underground 3,500 bicycle parking spaces provide relief for inner city traffic 1 cruise ship terminal with two berths The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/21 13 “People should want to spend time in the Überseequartier.” Michael Prior, Senior Manager Building Services Engineering

“Emalytics will be the higher-level automation system. It will become a lighthouse project for the industry on how to effectively manage buildings.” Bernhard Tillmanns, Director of Global Industry Management, Building Technology Discussion in the planning office of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield requirements simply went far beyond the norm. As a result, we removed automation from the usual planning process. We started looking for a planner that would also build after the planning phase. Well, one that could actually do the planning with an understanding similar to our own, because we ourselves are also the users of our plans later on. This was completely new for the market. Teamwork at the pit And that is when we became aware of Phoenix Contact. The company’s philosophy and self-image simply matched our requirements. After all, Phoenix Contact also thinks of automation differently, as it has enormous experience in the field of industrial automation. Close contact was established during the tender and bidding phase because our requirements were also in flux and had to be adapted several times. As a result, we began to collaborate at a very early stage of the project.” Bernhard Tillmans continued. “Of course, this has not been without difficulty, because much of what has long been standard practice at Phoenix Contact in terms of digitalization and automation is completely new to the construction industry. Cultures sometimes collide. We are pleased that Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield’s mindset is as progressive and innovative as ours.” 14 UPDATE 2/21 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine According to Frederic Busse, who is part of the Phoenix Contact team of building automation specialists, “We looked at many topics from the perspective of Phoenix Contact and put them on the table. That was also completely new for us and very exciting. It was a great boost for all of us, the entire team of planners. And we already have some topics where this new way of looking at things makes us tick differently than in conventional projects, for example in the area of energy valves or meter management. “In the planning phase, we’re already working very closely together. It is very positive when an automation solution manufacturer joins the planning team and comes up with new ideas and also thinks two years ahead, for example in terms of IT security. On the construction site itself, nothing in the building needs intelligence yet; it’s still a shell,” Prior adds with a grin. “But that’s coming at lightning speed and is going to pick up more momentum in the building phase.” The light at the end of the tunnel Prior points out ramps emerging from the basements and explains the current status of construction activities. “The design planning is complete, we have the building permits, and when it comes to civil engineering and landscaping, we are at the end of the implementation planning. The structural work is underway. At the same time, the technical building scaffolding is now being purchased, and technical contractors will soon begin to assemble it. The district will open in 2023. In the phase just before that, building automation is a key trade.” Bernhard Tillmans explains: “Coordination on the construction site becomes increasingly challenging as progress is made because the trade activities have to be more closely

S M A RT B U I L D I N G dovetailed. Building automation is, after all, a trade that is directly dependent on other trades that need to perform their services upstream. Therefore, we are also the trade that can only finish last. This will certainly mean one or two sleepless nights during the actual construction phase, because we not only have to handle individual automation tasks, but also map the entire building and its functionality. And if any trade lags behind, or in other words, delivers late, it will have a negative impact on scheduling and/or execution. It is therefore very important for us to have the right partner companies on board. This is not always the company with the lowest bid. We want the most skilled. With M&P, for example, we have been able to acquire a very experienced planning company as a partner in the current planning phase. M&P adds the expertise we need and has the right mindset.” Michael Prior is visibly proud as we make our way back. “The next time we visit, this place will look completely different. And then we can show you how the first trades are involved in implementing automation solutions. I promise!” Mr. Prior, we will hold you at your word and stay tuned. (lo)  ueberseequartier.de Michael Prior doesn’t let the gigantic construction site on the Elbe faze him The foundations are ready, and Europe’s largest construction site is taking shape 15

S M A RT B U I L D I N G The building whisperer Bernhard Tillmanns has a vision. He wants to change the buildings of the future. He wants to make them flexible. Versatile. Updateable. And starting right now! A shell construction in various stages of completion, with bare concrete, wiring harnesses, and ventilation systems. A site visit to the new Operations Building 38 at Phoenix Contact’s Blomberg headquarters in Germany. Just the right setting for a conversation with a building automation expert. Bernhard Tillmanns comes across as someone who knows exactly what he wants. He calmly and confidently answers inquisitive questions about his field of responsibility and talks about his career in a sonorous voice. The current Director Global Industry Management Building Technology already had a successful professional life behind him before he set out to shake up the world of building automation. First of all, the man from the Lower Rhine region was first and foremost a successful company founder. Just one year after completing his training as an electrical engineer, he set up his own business and was head of a company with up to 50 employees for 17 years. “Life was my university,” he says, not without pride, describing his professional career. The main focus of this company was on the software platforms, energy development of management systems for buildings, and security solutions. This demonstrates that Tillmanns does not have a traditional background as a building automation engineer. His professional home is actually in the world of IT. in and He first came into contact with Phoenix Contact in the course of his activities there. Later, this turned into a collaboration, because the products from East Westphalia impressed the businessman. It was a technological flirtation with professional results. Tillmanns became aware of the company itself through his enthusiasm for the product. And in mid-2015, the long-time entrepreneur finally took the plunge and joined Phoenix Contact, with the goal of making the topic of building automation à 16

S M A RT B U I L D I N G a success story. “But Phoenix Contact did not need a simple building automation provider that would just develop the existing business. They were looking for someone capable of developing a technological and entrepreneurial strategy for new trending topics in building automation.” It was the perfect challenge for Bernhard Tillmanns. An ace in the hole “The main players on the building market at that time were completely different,” the 54-year-old manager explains. “But we had an ace in the hole: In October 2015, Phoenix Contact acquired the Dresden-based company SysMik. Its founder and head, Dr. Gert-Ulrich Vack, founded the startup in 1990 and turned it into a small but select top-class forge in the field of building automation.” The open system structure of the ILC 2050 BI modular controller, developed in Dresden, is based on a software framework which is very well known abroad. For Tillmanns, The IT expert explains the differences. “Traditional building automation works with programmable logic controllers (PLCs). For example, someone may want to automate a ventilation system. A functional description defines how the automation should operate. An application engineer then sets this up in a suitable programming language, writes an extra program, and then converts (compiles) this into code that can be read by the controller. Now, however, the building is being refurbished, and the space is to be converted into offices, for example. The ventilation system has to be adapted. And so the programmer has to be called back in to change the code and load this back into the PLC. While this is going on, the affected system is not operational – resulting in a huge amount of work and a lengthy and above all expensive interlude. It’s no wonder that a completed building automation system is a fairly rigid entity that few operators want to tamper with.” This is precisely where the innovative industry expert comes in. “In contrast, with Emalytics, every automation station is part of a network. All functional processes are mapped in a software platform. This eliminates the need for these compiled and rigid programs. Software in focus Emalytics works by allowing you to virtualize the automation process rule statements, modify them, and then roll them out to the infrastructure via a software update. Once I realized this was a stroke of luck. “But in the German-speaking world, hardly anyone knew about it. And for me, as a person from the IT business, it was immediately clear that it was possible to combine IT and building automation, freeing ourselves itself from traditional component thinking and creating space for new ways of looking at things.” Tillmanns and his team set to work. “Quite early on, a colleague and I came up with the name ‘Emalytics’, which was designed to make it clear that we were taking a platform- oriented approach. We took the building market completely by surprise,” he reveals with a mischievous smile. 18 UPDATE 2/21 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

“The building becomes flexible without rebuilding and can learn new capabilities, so it becomes updateable.” this, I realized that this is just like the IT business, which I know well. Therefore, our approach clearly focuses on the software – that is to say, Emalytics.” Reading between these lines, the disruptive approach becomes clear. “We have created application libraries with visualization elements that result in digital twins of supply processes in the cloud. This allows us to contribute to the automated monitoring of supply and convenience processes, which clearly distinguishes us from our market competitors that are still using traditional processes. All of a sudden, the building is much more flexible to operate, can “learn” new functions without major structural changes, and can integrate new elements into the higher-level Emalytics control software. The building becomes updateable.” New role allocation Bernhard Tillmanns was aware that this new way of looking at things would not automatically become a foregone conclusion. “Our customers are the system integrators. These experts stand between the investor, the architect, and ultimately, the operator. They take the requirements and translate them into what is technically feasible. And they are usually quite busy. But with our new thinking, new knowledge is needed from their side. Training is needed, concerns must be addressed, and arguments must be strengthened. We are reaching deep into the entrenched structure of construction with the investor, the architect, the contractors, and ultimately, the operators.” Phoenix Contact has built up its own team of project managers, application engineers, and field service engineers to be able to adapt precisely to the needs of customers at every stage. With success. “We have focused on initial lighthouse projects such as the urban redevelopment program in the Überseequartier area in Hamburg, Germany, in order to demonstrate this new way of thinking. To do this, we had to convince the investor and the people at the planner level to clearly demonstrate the long-term advantages of the open system architecture. We held workshops with investors, architects, and specialist planners, and worked with them to develop suitable building system designs. Shells with heart and soul Buildings are of course not just rigid shells with practically unchanging functions. They are living, versatile buildings that can learn and change. And they can therefore also save significant costs over their intended useful life. Understanding and treating buildings as IT projects – that is our approach.” Anyone who listens to Bernhard Tillmanns senses his enthusiasm for the topic and senses the potential. “We talk to our buildings and listen to them. And with this approach, we are taking building automation to a whole new level.” (lo)  https://update.phoenixcontact.com/en/ The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/21 19

Secty electronics relies on components from Phoenix Contact Jürgen Przybylak wrestles with Mother Earth to gain precious seconds “I was trained as a power systems electronics technician in the mining industry.” W hen it comes to earthquakes, we think of massive catastrophes, tidal waves, and colliding tectonic plates. Our planet’s interior is far less explored than, say, the surface of the Moon, Mars, or other distant celestial bodies. When the Earth’s crust, which is perceived to be so safe, moves all at once, it causes panic in the mildest case, and hundreds of thousands of deaths in the worst. And predicting such an event is considered impossible. While searching for the Secty electronics company, I drove and walked past the building three times. Expecting to see a large research center or at least an imposing start-up with glass and marble, I completely overlooked the doorbell in a side street of the town of Castrop-Rauxel in the Ruhr area of Germany. With a friendly hello, the door opened and I did not need to look any further. And in a flash, I was in the heart of a global company that could save millions of lives but still had a footprint no bigger than an average one-bedroom apartment. the “secty lifePatron” were waiting on the meeting room table. As its developer and company director Jürgen Przybylak inconspicuous-looking basic modules of Two explained to me, this is the main control unit that houses all the intelligence with the mathematical algorithm of earthquake detection, distributed between controllers and sub-controllers. But before we got to the equipment, Przybylak first explained the basics of earthquake science. Earthquakes give early warning signals “Every earthquake consists of a primary and a secondary wave. These wave movements on the Earth’s surface occur when stresses in the Earth’s crust are released, whether due to continental plate movements, volcanic eruptions, explosions, or even large cavities collapsing. The primary wave, the so-called P wave, always travels faster. It is not perceptible to humans. Only the secondary S wave that follows has destructive potential. The P wave travels twice as fast as the S wave, so it always reaches the respective location first. The time difference between the appearance of the harmless P wave and the destructive S wave depends on the distance from the point of origin, the epicenter, and the depth of the earthquake.” 22 UPDATE 2/21 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

E A RT H Q U A K E S You can tell that the 62-year-old technician is a well- traveled expert who is used to looking into initially incredulous eyes. “Everyone always expects at least one professor when I present our solution,” he grins mischievously. The down-to- earth globetrotter is no longer afraid of the public. “I know the quality of our product.” Przybylak is a convincing ambassador for the Secty lifePatron. At first glance, the shear warning times are not very impressive. “At about 40 kilometers from the epicenter, the difference between the P and S wave is 8 to 12 seconds. At 120 kilometers, this time grows to 24 to 36 seconds.” These seconds mean the difference between death and destruction or safe survival. “In countless experiments and studies, it has been found that it takes people between 10 and 16 seconds to even comprehend that a major earthquake has struck. Only then do they try to get to safety. And they do this while the S wave is unleashing its destructive effect, because the P wave went unnoticed.” The harmless P wave always precedes the destructive S wave Every second counts This is exactly where the mode of action of the “Secty lifePatron” comes into play. “We can reliably detect and analyze the P wave. Reliable in this case means that we can filter out sources of error such as trucks rumbling past. And we can use the P wave to predict whether the following S wave will actually be dangerous. No other device in the world can do that. This makes people trust our system – if an alarm is triggered, then it really is serious. We are therefore giving people the most valuable thing they need: time.” But even so, just a few seconds. “That is exactly what the German ambassador in Kazakhstan said too.” Jürgen Przybylak remembers it well. ”That was at my first ever à 2x This is how fast the P wave runs ahead of the S wave P S1S1 S2S2 Advance warning time Secty lifePatron The warning system consists of a controller and a sub-controller unit that monitor each other to avoid false alarms. For mounting, a concrete foundation – a solid connection with the ground – is needed, on which the sensor system is installed. In the event of a quake, a 12-volt signal and floating contacts are triggered, which can be used by automation systems for switching. The Secty lifePatron can be integrated into the building automation system The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/21 23

E A RT H Q U A K E S trade fair back in 2005 – I had been invited to an evening dinner. When he said this, I simply asked him how long he would need to reach the closest door to get outside right now.” Przybylak draws attention to a crucial feature. “And during this time, automatic security systems can, for example, shut off the gas supply, secure elevators, and unlock door systems. Much of the damage occurs after the earthquake, with leaking gas triggering explosions or power lines being destroyed, rendering supply networks unusable.” But how is the P wave detected? And how did a technician from the Ruhr area develop a technology that could be the difference between life and death for millions of people? Jürgen Przybylak smiles. “By chance. We had developed sensors for international pigeon racing, where the winged high-performance athletes triggered a time measurement when they made contact with a perch. In 2003, the Helmholtz Zentrum Potsdam, the German Research Center for Geosciences, approached us with the question of whether we could also measure a completely different type of vibration with our sensor. Potsdam provided us with the algorithm for the analysis of the P wave to do this. And from that, in cooperation with the scientists, we developed the Secty lifePatron.” At the time, the trained electronics technician had been affected by the changes in the coal industry. As an employee of the central testing department, he was offered the opportunity to leave the Ruhrkohle coal mining company with a severance package. He took the risk, used his expertise and contacts, and actually found the right components for an early warning system. From the pit out into the world “The deal was that the scientists would contribute their expertise in P and S waves and we would develop the sensor technology. For example, it was known that strong earthquakes have a frequency of 0 to 15 hertz, and anything above that is harmless. Other factors, such as acceleration and intensity, make it possible to analyze the P wave. In 2005, we had the first prototype ready, which we patented. Sales and marketing was and still is with us. The result is a device that can not only detect earthquakes. Above all, it is also capable of NOT triggering when vibrations are caused by passing trucks, for example. Because false alarms are dangerous. They make people become complacent.” The first devices were still received with a mixture of amazement and disbelief. In the meantime, the advance warning system has been decorated with numerous awards and has, of course, been further developed. The first installations took Jürgen Przybylak to Pakistan and Afghanistan, straight 24 UPDATE 2/21 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine NORTH AMERICAN PLATE JUAN DE FUCA PLATE The German Consulate General in San Francisco San Francisco (USA) PACIFIC PLATE Veracruz (Mexico) COCOS PLATE El Salvador Port-au-Prince, Léogâne (Haiti) CARIBBEAN PLATE Quito (Equador) Lima (Peru) Arequipa (Peru) NAZCA PLATE Used in the American School in Quito, Ecuador Santiago (Chile) Secty lifePatron is now installed in more than 26 countries ANTARCTIC PLATE into Taliban strongholds. But, he says, “No matter where we go, we are always treated with respect. Anyone who has ever experienced an earthquake knows how terrible it can be. Everyone there is grateful to get a little help.” Today, there is hardly an earthquake-prone region on this planet that Przybylak has not traveled to. “Our systems are in operation everywhere, and have now been adapted to the most adverse environmental conditions, extreme climates and, thanks to their foolproof operation, they are in permanent use even in areas with very low levels of education. The goal is to install a system that will run for the long term. This does not just include the technical structure. We are often on site many times to train the locals, for example by implementing testing and training drills before, during, and after an earthquake.” For science, however, the system is of hardly any interest

Industrial and utility companies also protect their plants in Switzerland and along the Mid-Rhine Rift EURASIAN PLATE Kabul (Afghanistan) Almaty (Kazakhstan) Swat, Pattan, Muzaffarabad, Dasu (Pakistan) New Delhi, Ghaziabad, Chandigarh (India) INDIAN PLATE The German Corporation for International Cooperation building in Kazakhstan is protected Taipei (Taiwan) PHILIPPINE PLATE Manila (the Philippines) Manokwari (Indonesia) Hückelhoven, Phillipsburg, Frankfurt am Main, Albstadt (Germany) Basel (Switzerland) Avdarma (Moldova) Istanbul (Turkey) Athens (Greece) Tehran (Iran) ARABIAN PLATE Daharun (Iran) AFRICAN PLATE The first devices were installed in Pakistan and Afghanistan SOUTH AMERICAN PLATE AUSTRALIAN PLATE today. Although the device would not have had a foundation without the support of the German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam, Przybylak tells us, “the lifePatron is simply not a scientific device; it is designed for practical use in the field and is also a commercial success.” Use in building management The Secty lifePatron can be operated as a stand-alone solution, for example with just the controller and a second unit called a sub-controller. “These two devices constantly monitor each other to rule out false alarms caused by say rough contact,” explains Jürgen Przybylak. “The system operates from a 12/24 V DC or a 110/230 V AC power supply, as well as a redundant battery backup power supply. What is important is that the equipment is mounted on concrete foundations. The system can be extended to cover larger buildings or areas.” In addition to its direct use for warning people, the system can of course also be used in building technology and industrial plants. For example, Secty lifePatron safeguards the gas supply for the Basel municipal utility company by automatically closing the solenoid valves located there with the system. Or by securing the control room of a power plant, where the supply ventilation is switched off in the event of an alarm. Jürgen Przybylak is confident in his system. “We had to avoid many pitfalls. But the demand for our device is huge. Because Mother Earth never sleeps very heavily. And when she wakes up, every second counts.” (lo)  secty-electronics.de/en/home The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/21 25

T U N N E L S L ake Lucerne is situated picturesquely at the foot of the Alps in central Switzerland. Some parts of the 114 square kilometers of lake surface are nestled tightly against rugged rock faces, and since time immemorial this has meant that many places were easier to reach by ship or boat than on foot or by wagon. This only changed when the inhabitants of this wonderful countryside began not only to climb over their mountains, but also to go through them. The tunnels needed for this were initially driven through the rock by pickaxe, but they have been blasted open ever since Alfred Nobel invented dynamite. Fittingly for this story, Nobel founded an explosives factory in the village of Isleten in 1873. These explosive products were used most famously to blast the Gotthard rail tunnel through the mountains above it. Isleten is situated on the shore of the Lake of Uri, a part of the larger Lake Lucerne. The first tunnels and avalanche protectors were being built here along the lakeshore to reach the small village of Bauen as far back as the second half of the 19th Century. Today, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorized traffic share the stone-carved tunnels together in harmony. The Swiss Path, a hiking trail created to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Switzerland, also runs in part through The Bauenstraße tunnels were built in the 1980s these tunnels. Hiking routes and flowing traffic meet every now and then along the shores of the Lake of Uri. But even the tunnels deserve a makeover every now and then. Namely, the Schiltegg, Harderband, and Cholrüti tunnels: Two tunnels of just under 400 meters long and one 800 meters long were ready for a technological upgrade. New lights for old tunnels “The task was not only to modernize the lighting with new LEDs, but also to replace and commission their connections and the control system along with the contents of the control cabinets. And in true record time,” recalls Jürg Uehlinger, System Engineer Energy Phoenix Contact and project manager for the control technology in this tunnel renovation. “We were only able to achieve this with sophisticated preliminary work and thanks to our standardized controllers.” “The schedule was very tight,” confirms Marco Neuhaus, head of the executing company Silux AG, in conversation. “We were already involved in a preliminary project on this tunnel and were already familiar with Phoenix Contact’s solutions back then. However, our cooperation did not become official until mid-2020. We received the financial release from the canton of Uri in June. Construction project planning and tenders then followed very quickly. The official project award was granted in August. Immediately, the implementation planning and the technical specification had to be prepared 28 UPDATE 2/21 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

Marco Neuhaus, experienced project manager and member of the management board of Silux AG Pre-assembled control technology ensures a guaranteed future “It is definitely not cozy in the tunnel in winter. When you have to wire sockets in there, after a while you can no longer feel your fingers.” Marco Neuhaus was working in the tunnels on site himself and the material ordered. This was because everything was supposed to be completed before the end of 2020.” Assembly with a rock over your head Preliminary work, such as new road markings, dragged on into autumn until the electrical installations began in mid- November. “At this time of year, tunnels are not a comfortable place to work. They are not just cold, but also drafty. After a while, you can’t feel your fingers or the wire that needs to be connected,” reports engineer Neuhaus on the basis of his own experience. “But fortunately, there was only a little rain.” This was a bonus because the traffic routed through the construction site in a single lane lowers the comfort factor even further thanks to spray kicking up off the road. But the planned electrical installations ran as smoothly as clockwork. “We were on site from December 1,” Jürg Uehlinger states. “Even though we were still dismantling the old control cabinets on the first day, we were able to put the first of the three tunnels back into operation as early as the second day. And then after four days, we were completely done.” The final acceptance was granted on December 7 without any problems. “We used PLCnext controllers, which are coordinated with a standardized solution specifically for tunnel systems. This makes us extremely flexible and, above all, fast. Because of this, we had almost no programming work to do. We just had to make minimal adaptations to the globally functioning standard, which we had already trimmed to Swiss standards and properties in other projects, to adjust it to the project-specific requirements.” Andreas Arnold, who is responsible for tunnel renovation in the construction department of Canton Uri – and therefore the actual client – was visibly impressed. “From my perspective, it went very well. This was an excellent project, despite the tight schedule.” Marco Neuhaus adds, “Thanks to the intelligent PLCnext controllers, it was even possible to change small details such as an additional switch without requiring any programming work. This modularity is exactly what we needed.” (lo)  ur.ch/mmdirektionen/71074 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/21 29

First floor parking When the automotive gem is sent underground and Klaus Multiparking’s systems are in play, it’s not the end of its technical lifespan. It’s just parked away and then returned, albeit in a particularly refined way. To ensure that this goes well, electronic components from Blomberg watch over the ups and downs of the vehicles and owners. 30 UPDATE 2/21 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine S pace is a precious commodity. Whether in a parking garage or a private garage, on public roads or on domestic property – if a vehicle is no longer going to be mobile, but parked, then your dream car can quickly become an annoying burden. This is exactly where the solutions from an innovative family-owned company from the Allgäu region of Germany come in. In fact, the Klaus family’s entrepreneurial beginnings were the exact opposite of what they do today. The focus originally was on forward motion rather than standing still: In 1907, a wagon-making shop was founded near Bad Tölz. In the 1930s, this commitment to mobility continued when they opened a bodyshop, and even a car factory was established. In the post-war period, the Allgäu company then manufactured commercial vehicle superstructures, ventured into the production of carousels and, until the 1980s, very successfully equipped the Unimog range of vehicles with excavator and loading crane systems. Deep-rooted knowledge of car body and steel construction, hydraulic and control systems, and manufacturing expertise was therefore in abundance. And since the first parking problems began to appear as early as the 1960s, the engineers once again pulled out their pens and unveiled the first parking systems. Turning mobile systems into real estate without any problems: Since 1964, these systems have been built in an independent production facility about ten kilometers from the original company headquarters in Memmingen. à

Daniel Schäftner, electrical engineering team leader for automatic parking systems, is impressed by the relay modules of the RIFLINE complete product family “Push-in technology and the relay plug-in bridging system has us convinced us.” Daniel Schäftner, Electrical Engineering Team Leader Since these early beginnings, the company has grown to become a globally operating company with 230 employees and is active around the globe. The focus is on the development and manufacturing of partially and fully automated parking systems. Since 1963, more than 25,000 projects have been implemented, as Klaus Multiparking proudly reports. In Germany alone, this corresponds to around 450,000 parking spaces; worldwide, around 700,000 parking spaces have been created through the family-owned company’s work. Residential and commercial buildings, single and multi-family homes, office buildings, hotels, underground garages, and parking garages – the Klaus Multiparking system is in demand everywhere where space is a scarce commodity. Production capacity at the main plant in Aitrach is at capacity at 12,000 units per year. The elements, some of which are solid steel, are manufactured on highly automated CNC-controlled laser and bending machines. Next, they are transported directly to an automated high rise rack. Development takes place in the adjacent rooms, which are also where the electronic components and control cabinets are assembled, wired, and tested. 32

Up and down without risk In the parking systems, safeguards called chain monitors are used on the height-adjustable levels as a way to avoid danger to users in the event of technical defects. The chain monitors were previously monitored by limit switches that switched off the system if the chain was damaged. However, voltage loss was a common occurrence due to the interconnection of several parking system units, and it became no longer possible to safely switch the actuators installed. As a long-standing customer, the engineers working with Daniel Schäftner, team leader for electrical engineering for automatic parking systems at Klaus Multiparking, were already familiar with numerous products from Phoenix Contact, such as power supplies from the QUINT product family, terminal blocks, coupling relays, and PTFIX distribution blocks. The installed were replaced with relay modules from the RIFLINE complete product family, which are just 16 millimeters wide. They are designed so that the normally-open and normally-closed contacts of a relay are connected together mechanically. This forced guidance reliably prevents normally-open and normally-closed contacts from closing at the same time, which could lead to dangerous opening errors. limit switches previously in the production facility In addition to these safety-relevant aspects, the employees in Aitrach are happy with the capability of using Push-in technology in addition to the classic screw connection. This allows rigid and flexible conductors with ferrules to be plugged in without tools – from a connection cross-section of just 0.14 square millimeters. The plug-in bridging system reduces the wiring effort, and therefore is convenient for both workers and controllers. In comparison to conventional wire bridges, the work of wiring is clearly reduced, allowing simple, efficient potential distribution. The pluggable module design means that extensions such as a time function can be added quickly and easily. (dr/lo)  multiparking.com Manufacturing on modern CNC machining centers, wiring in accordance with the highest standards 33

M I N I N G I f there is one country that is cast in a leading role for the All Electric Society, it is Chile. Without the South American country’s copper, the world would soon run out of power cables. And without the lithium from the Atacama Desert, the visions for e-mobility would remain pure wishful thinking. Chile is the world’s largest supplier of copper. And the Andean country’s lithium deposits are among the largest on the planet. The central Andes is one of the most important mining regions in the world. Along the Pacific coast, an oceanic plate pushes under the South American continental shelf. Water, heat, and pressure cause mineral solutions to be pressed into rock fissures and deposited there. A few hundred thousand years later, this makes the mining industry quite happy. The central mining areas extend from Valparaíso in Chile to Lima in Peru. In addition to copper, iron ore, iodine, sulfur, coal, and gold, manganese, and molybdenum are also mined. And this has been the case since time immemorial. Copper has been mined industrially since the beginning of the 20th Century. The Chuquicamata mine was opened way back in 1915 and was operated as an open pit mine until 2019. The deepest crater ever created by man reaches over 1,000 meters deep. Nowadays, civil engineering methods are being used to tap the copper deposits. Around 5.7 million metric tons of copper were extracted from Chile’s mines in 2020. Lithium mining only gained significant importance around 2016. Today, people mainly think of batteries for electric cars, but lithium is also found in all the other electronics that people carry around today, from smartphones to impact drills and razors to laptops. What impact does mining have on this South American country? Are mining and sustainability compatible? And what role does Phoenix Contact play in this potential conflict of interest? We asked two experts about this. 3 Li Lithium 6.94 Lithium A very reactive alkali metal, and therefore not present in elemental form in the nature. A light metal which reacts to moisture and can cause chemical and physical burns. First discovered in 1817 by Johan August Arfwedson of Sweden. Until shortly after World War II, there was hardly any use for it, until it was then used as a raw material for tritium extraction for atomic bombs. Most important producer: Australia (ore) 36 UPDATE 2/21 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

Iris Wunderlich is an expert in sustainability and mining CHILE IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST A RAW- MATERIAL PRODUCER. Iris Wunderlich (37) has been living and working in Santiago de Chile since 2015 and took on the role of Project Leader Mining & Sustainability at the German-Chilean Chamber of Industry and Commerce at the beginning of this year. She has also been a member of the Women in Energy ambassadorial network since 2019. Born in Swabia, she studied Spanish and economics in Kassel, specializing in the field of international and sustainable business management and renewable energies. Ms. Wunderlich, from which perspective do you look at the topics that concern you, from the German, the Chilean, or the global one? From all three. As a chamber, we first of course try to offer support to German companies through our knowledge of the situation here on the ground if they want to become active in Chile or regionally. So in this case we have our “German” hat on. But of course we are also the point of contact for Chilean companies that want to move in the direction of the German market or, as is usually the case, they are looking for access to German technology, including when it comes to areas of sustainability. And in this case we look at things from the Chilean point of view. And sustainability and global supply chains are issues that are simply in the nature of mining. Raw-materials countries are often politically unstable and economically one- sided, oriented toward exports. Does this also apply in part to Chile? No, not quite. Until October 2019, Chile was the model country in South America in terms of stability. However, then social unrest broke out, which has led to a new constitution now being drafted through a constituent assembly. The COVID-19 pandemic and the fight against the associated threats to health and the economy are, of course, currently dominating the political debate in Chile as well. Is there a type of raw-materials colonialism, that is to say, all-powerful foreign corporations that pursue only their own economic interests and drain away capital? On the one hand, there is CODELCO, the dominant player in Chilean copper mining. This is a Chilean state-owned company. In addition, there are large Australian, English, and Canadian companies. Then there are small and medium-sized Chilean mining companies. ENAMI is a state-owned purchasing company that buys, processes, and then resells the products, supplementing the large companies. à The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/21 37

M I N I N G COLOMBIA In addition, we are also seeing growing interest from other foreign investors, with US and Chinese companies joining the foreign groups I mentioned above. How much are the interests of the mining companies active in Chile also focused on sustainability? Here in Chile, we have an environmental protection and energy policy that is very consistently oriented toward sustainability, regardless which political party is in power at a given time. This also affects the mining industry to a great extent. The Ministry of Energy was only established here in 2010, but since then it has not deviated much in terms of its orientation, regardless of which party is in power. This consistency and reliability is also particularly important for Chilean and German companies. When it comes to sustainability, the influence of large international companies is actually rather positive. This is not just about the environmental sector, but also about social standards, such as working conditions and safety, alongside the issue of working with indigenous populations, which is very important in Chile. There are many examples where both international and Chilean companies are providing very positive impetus in terms of environmental protection and sustainability. Energy efficiency is a big topic, and as of this year it is also legally anchored thanks to the Energy Efficiency Act, but there is also the integration of renewable energies, be it through self-owned parks or large-scale energy supply contracts with 100 percent renewable electricity that is being agreed between the mining companies and the energy suppliers. Added to this is the increased use of desalinated seawater for mining processes. Does this also apply to lithium mining? To date, Australia is the largest producer of lithium. There, lithium is extracted in ore form. In Chile, lithium is mined using brine in the salt lakes. The two major companies that have licenses here and are extracting lithium on a large scale are a U.S. company and a Chilean company. Further licenses have been awarded, but the companies are not yet actively mining. The issue of sustainability is also important in lithium mining. Especially with regard to the increasing demand and the predicted boom in electromobility, which of course must not be driven forward at the expense of the stability of a sensitive ecosystem. It is therefore essential to look for ways in which technology can manage to extract the raw materials necessary for an energy revolution, including in the transport sector, with the lowest level of invasiveness as possible. What role do renewable energies play for Chile? The industry is booming and, second only to mining, is the industry in which the most investment has been made for years. Chile has the highest potential for green hydrogen production in the world. Chile has adopted a national hydrogen strategy and is a close partner country of Germany in this respect and is engaged in a lively exchange. In Patagonia, there is a project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. There, they intend to produce green hydrogen with the help of wind power and use it to generate synthetic fuels. The energy industry as a whole is, quite simply, a booming industry. Chile is much more than just a raw-material producer and supplier. (lo)  chile.ahk.de ECUADOR PERU BOLIVIA The lithium triangle Cerro Colorado Quebrada Blanca Chuquicamata Spence, El Tesoro, Esperanza Mantos Blancos Zaldivar Salvador Division Candelaria Andacollo Los Pelambres Andina Division Minera Valle Central Santiago de Chile Concepción CHILE Temuco ARGENTINA Puerto Montt El Toqui Cerro Bayo 38 UPDATE 2/21 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine Copper mine Cities The lithium triangle

BRAZIL PARAGUAY CHILE CAN BE A MOTOR FOR THE ALL ELECTRIC SOCIETY. Christian Jacobsen, GM Phoenix Contact Chile partners and customers. In addition to traditional connection technology, we are a supplier of automation solutions and remote maintenance. Since the development of electric vehicles and the batteries required for them at the latest, lithium has become a coveted and expensive raw material that is extracted in the Atacama Desert. Which Phoenix Contact products are in demand here? The COMPLETE line range in particular is very successful here, as it covers everything that is needed in this inhospitable region. This ranges from connection technology all the way to remote control and control technology. Against the backdrop of increasingly stringent environmental regulations, it is existential for mining companies to have water and energy consumption under control and to adapt their production to Industry 4.0 standards. This is exactly what we are banking on with the COMPLETE line range and our mining campaign. As a Chilean, how do you evaluate the vision of the All Electric Society? The electrification of industry is already playing an increasingly important role right now. At Phoenix Contact, we have always been driven by the urge for innovation and ever better products; this is part of our entrepreneurial DNA. That’s why I believe that the vision of the All Electric Society has come at just the right time and offers enormous opportunities for our company in particular. And Chile not only has access to the raw materials, but also the technological capabilities to be a motor for the All Electric Society. (lo)  phoenixcontact.com Christian Jacobsen has been General Manager of Phoenix Contact Chile for five years. The technophile engineer with Danish ancestry has 35 employees in his team. He is the ideal contact person to learn more about the most important industry in this South American country. Mr. Jacobsen, what are the current most exciting and economically interesting projects in Chilean mining and raw materials production? One, of course, is copper mining, specifically underground mining at the Chuquicamata mine, a property owned by the world’s largest copper producer, CODELCO. Our second major field is the extraction of fresh water in seawater desalination plants. Some very large plants are being built for this purpose right now. And our third focus is on the wind and solar power plants owned by the mining companies. Automation plays an extremely important role in all three of these fields. Copper mining has a long tradition in your region. What is the significance of copper mining for Chile and how are products from Phoenix Contact used here? Mining has a long tradition here and is one of the cornerstones of the Chilean economy. In addition to Chile’s CODELCO, we work with companies such as BHP Billiton, Anglo American, AMSA, and TECK. In this respect, we are a supplier for our The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/21 39

Berries from Büren An on-site visit to the field. In icy winds and hail, we take the opportunity to visit a project that is unique in Germany so far. But is this structure a solar power plant? Or is it a greenhouse? T he berries that farmer and electrical engineer Fabian Karthaus grows in Büren in East Westphalia don’t care about these semantics. The strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry bushes clearly feel right at home under the 4,200 square meters of solar roof, as their owner tells us with pride. “We already had a really great harvest in the first year, with fruit that grew above average, both in terms of size and taste.” But for the building permit and profitability of what Fabian Karthaus calls Germany’s first and largest food-voltaic plant, these definitions are quite crucial. “This is not an elevated photovoltaic system; it’s a greenhouse,” Burkhard Hesse emphasizes. The owner of a skilled trade company specializing in photovoltaics in the neighboring town of Geseke is the designer and à 40 UPDATE 2/21 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine

A G R I C U LT U R A L P H OT O V O LTA I C S builder of the energy-rich structure. “It primarily protects the plants from hail and precipitation. As a result, there are fewer problems with mold and disease. We’ve also measured a temperature increase of up to three degrees here during the cold season, so we’re frost-free for much longer.” The farm beneath the solar modules is so cleverly designed that rainwater is collected by a drainage system. And this without dripping water from above falling on the flower or fruit, which could cause damage. The peat beds, laid out in long rows, provide the right pH level for the berries. “Berries need very acidic soils,” explains farmer Karthaus. “The nature of the system not only makes us self-sufficient in energy, but we didn’t have to use supplemental irrigation, even during last summer’s extremely dry weather.” For the organic concepts behind this farm, this is an important foundation. “We would not have been able to get a solar park approved here. And when the building authorities were on site, they certified that this structure was not a building and that it had to be dismantled. But during a site inspection shortly afterwards, our State Minister of Construction determined that the facility was indeed a building and therefore could be given permit. So now it’s a building, specifically a greenhouse,” Burkhard Hesse says with a grin. He adds, “We could build foil-tunnel greenhouses from here to the horizon, which would have to be disposed of after two years. But a long-lasting solar system seems to be a problem for the authorities.” The energy yield of around 800,000 kW/h per year easily covers the plant’s operational requirements, with the remainder being fed into the public grid. And the operational demand? Fabian Karthaus points to the hall in the background. “We have such high yields that we can’t get rid of the berries in direct sales on the farm alone. So we decided to freeze-dry the surplus berries. The system required for this is very energy- intensive, but with the solar yields from the ‘greenhouse roof’ this isn’t a problem. We still don’t pollute the environment.” From waist high over the tractor roof The solar greenhouse is based on a ground-mounted system, which was set higher up. The modules are elevated on standard reinforced piling sections that are driven 170 cm into the ground. It only took about a month to build the entire facility. Hesse points upward. “The solar modules are a custom-made product from Solarfabrik in Wiesen, located in Germany’s Franconia region. They don’t have an integrated UV filter, and they have a residual light transmission of about ten percent. That’s easily enough for the plants.” Recently, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Freiburg has asked whether they can provide scientific support for the plant in the Westphalian city of Büren. “Agricultural photovoltaics is a new and very exciting topic that is also being discussed in the scientific community worldwide.” 42 Planner and installer meets farmer and operator – Burkhard Hesse (right) and Fabian Karthaus. Both are experts.

“This here isn’t a solar park. We’re in a building.” Burkhard Hesse, Hesse Solar 4,200 square meters of “greenhouse roof” supplies 800,000 kW/h per year Burkhard Hesse (right) and Burkhard Dittmann (Phoenix Contact) at the PGS controller Regulation signed and sealed The facility is regulated by the new PGS controller from Phoenix Contact. The integrated PLCnext controller not only records the amount of current, but also receives sensor data, for example regarding solar radiation. Burkhard Hesse and his team programmed and adapted the controller to the system. “You could still run the irrigation control on the same controller, for example.” Hesse is enthusiastic about the control system. “There is still a lot of potential in the technology, especially when it comes to the requirements of grid operators, which will continue to increase in the future. And the controller is certified, which also takes a lot of work off our hands.” tears of joy to the eyes of the operators every time they walk their rounds, right? Fabian Karthaus puts on a wry smile. “Well, due to the new energy feed-in drama, the revenue from the electricity we feed into the public grid is so low that the solar system itself is not economically viable at the moment. And traditional fruit and vegetable growers rely on traditional greenhouses.” When it comes to self-consumption, the smart farmer’s face brightens again. “And when it comes to social acceptance, of course, we are right at the forefront. That gets every visitor excited.” Hesse grins and adds, “And the berries are of course the hit, they’re snatched out of our hands here.” (lo)  The complexity of the plant, its ecological balance thanks to its dual use, and the futuristic technology should bring fruitvoltaik.de The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/21 43

P hilipp Thonet doesn’t seem like a leather-skinned gearhead at all. The likeable Chief Technical Officer could easily work in any startup company. This makes him a perfect match for STARD, the latest offshoot of the Stohl Group and a pacesetter when it comes to electric drives, not just in rally cars. The history of Stohl, a family-operated company, began at the end of the 1960s when Rudi Stohl, then still in training as a car mechanic, got to know racing. A former military airfield near Vienna, plenty of burnt rubber, and screaming engines – the apprentice craftsman became one of Austria’s most successful race car drivers, darting through the curves with greats like Walter Röhrl or Michele Mouton. Incidentally, with their own cars and not in one of the well-financed factory teams. Anyone who knows how expensive racing is will have an idea of the difficulties young Rudi Stohl had to contend with during his active career. Stohl was always his own mechanic as well, so he also sidestepped to racing series in which both driving and tuning skills were needed. Argentina, the Himalayas, China, Africa – the multi-time winner of Motor Sportsman of the Year and runner-up in Group A in 1986 was always David in the battle against the Goliath factory teams. The passion of the father was passed on to his son Manfred, who also entered racing as a master mechanic in 1990. Today, the Stohl Group is a household name on the racing scene, and Manfred Stohl is one of the world’s top active race car drivers. He was Rally Group N World Champion in 2000 and made four podium finishes in the 2006 World Rally Championship (WRC). But Stohl is not just an internationally renowned figure behind the wheel. He has also proven his qualities as an entrepreneur. In 2001, he founded the Stohl Racing company. Its main field is not just its own operations, but also, above all, in developing 46 UPDATE 2/21 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine Together with Citroen, STARD developed the C3 ERX and constructing customer motor sports vehicles and taking care of them. Alternative fuel for blazing speed Stohl became aware of alternative drive technologies early on. One of the main sponsors was the Austrian Mineral Oil Association (ÖMV), which gave Stohl the idea of also using natural gas as a fuel in a racing series. The innovative race team already completed a race car in 2006 that was fueled by a monovalent compressed natural gas (CNG) engine. This laid the foundation for a whole new way to have fun experimenting. Then, in 2014, a genuine electric speedster was born. It wasn’t just a precious nurtured showpiece polished to a high shine; it was a genuine rock-shooting, dirt-slinging competition car. In 2015, this energy performance resulted in the founding of STARD by Manfred Stohl and the current general manager Michael Sakowicz. STARD stands for Stohl Advanced Research and Development. While Stohl Racing concentrates on the race activities of the company owner and on the construction and use of various customer vehicles, STARD is the think tank of the Austrians. Philipp Thonet has been with the company since 2014, initially starting as an engineer and project manager, then becoming the CTO responsible for the technological side of the racing innovator. The Austrians are not only active when it comes to their own in-house developed high-performance battery systems, where STARD definitely rivals industry giants such as Williams Advanced Engineering. The experts also design suspensions and chassis, test aerodynamics in the wind tunnel, and research everything from batteries and vehicle dynamics control to

K E E P I N G C A R S O N T R A C K composite fiber materials. In the process, the Austrians are working closely with leading partners in technology. The idea is for STARD to branch out from just motorsports. “The electric drive had been around for years until we were able to develop it for a rally car for the first time in 2015. Today, electric drives are the number one topic for us. That’s what we’re known for now, and we’re in demand from factory teams and private drivers alike. We’ve built a test bench for electric motors and have our own test benches for the batteries, where we test the individual cells. We construct and design high- voltage batteries from the cells on up, in various sizes and voltage classes,” explains the 34-year-old engineer. Almost inevitably, this is where contact with Phoenix Contact came about, because when it comes to fast charging, the company from Germany’s East Westphalia region leads “The performance of today’s electric vehicles in motorsports is enormous, and the acceleration is absolutely fascinating.” the industry like Stohl once led the Monte Carlo Rally. “We were looking for a suitable CCS Type 2 vehicle charging inlet, for fast charging. This cooperation with Phoenix Contact always involves a good deal of development work for our special requirements, and it works extremely well, both with the Austrian team and with the headquarters in Schieder, Germany. We’re already developing projects together that go far beyond just using charging inlets.” A small team with a lot of clout The number of highly qualified employees is actually on the small side. “In development, we have 15 employees. During World Cup events, our racing team includes up to 30 employees.” When asked, Thonet confirms, “The cars are completely designed and built here on location and also operated from here.” The crew really has to be hand-picked, because the quality and variety of the tasks is enormous, and the demands on a rally-cross car are extreme. “One floor below us is our lab with test benches and the battery department. We’re a very compact team and have very short decision- making paths. That’s our strength, which gives us the clout to keep up with the latest technologies in this extremely dynamic industry of electric vehicles (EV).” With a smile, Philipp Thonet adds, “There are still so many new things we can discover and develop. The playing field for an engineer is almost endless.” This is what unites the Austrian racers and the innovative East Westphalians. Also in the future. (lo)  Philipp Thonet, STARD stard.at The D3 ERX is a race car you can buy. Anyone who wants it needs 374,000 euros to spare Three electric motors provide a combined output of 450 kW (613 hp) The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/21 47

è Mr. Görlitzer, since August 2020, you have been one of the “newcomers” on the Executive Board of Phoenix Contact. What is new for you about your responsibilities as a member of the management board? What’s really new for me? It’s getting to know the higher-level governing bodies of our company, such as the advisory board or the group of shareholders. I know them as people, of course, but not yet in terms of their principles of operations. That’s what is new and exciting for me. è Does this also apply to new responsibilities on the international arena? I’ve always been very international, and the ICE Business Area was also very international right from the start. One of my first assignments, parallel to my role as Senior Vice President at the time, was to take on responsibility for our plant in Poland from an overall corporate perspective. India fascinates me. That’s where I built up shared service concepts. And now, as a member of the Executive Board, I’ve been given overall responsibility for the three major markets of China, Russia, and India. We want to develop these defined markets into Centers of Competence, with room for making independent decisions. The challenge will be to nurture this independence in order to align the organizations with flexibility and agility, while at the same time not losing the connection to our headquarters and synergies in a global context. I’m usually on the road three times a month, but often communicate briefly via short message services or make phone calls. So I’m very close to our processes in the international fields as well, even if I can’t always be on location. è Aren’t there still a few exciting countries missing, such as the “tiger states” of Southeast Asia? Strategy also means the courage to do without (laughs). When we talk about Centers of Competence, we’re talking about comprehensive value chains, sales, development, and production. We cannot build up production and development in all regions of the world at the same time. That would also overstretch our resources. You should learn to walk before you run. We’re now starting to establish this strategy in the countries we’ve just mentioned, paying attention to our strengths and synergies, and in the future, we’ll also include other zones in this concept. è Are you actually an East Westphalian? No! I’m a Lower Saxon. I come from a very traditional family of blue-collar workers and craftsmen, first finishing an apprenticeship and working as an electrical machine builder. So an academic career was not something I was born into. I did study in Lemgo, but it was a kind of self-learning. During the day I was frequently busy with my job and family, so there was often only time for studying in the evenings. And as a young family man on a tight budget, I worked weekends at the wholesale flower market. During semester breaks, I serviced and repaired equipment like the ones in the quarry. That still pays off for me. When I visit the control cabinet manufacturing shop today and speak with the workers about their problems, I understand this world. They often have a very direct and honest way of talking. I can talk to the people at the workbench just as I do with my colleagues working in leadership positions at the office. è How did you arrive at Phoenix Contact? During my studies, there was the opportunity to take additional seminars. There was a “Sales and Marketing” seminar, organized by representatives from various companies, and the part designed by Phoenix Contact was extremely positive for me, in terms of both the contents and the people. That was the main reason why I submitted my application here. That was 26 years ago now. è How would you describe your start at Phoenix Contact? I started as a product manager in 1994, for the good old terminal block. At that time, the company was much smaller. It was the phase when we built up a matrix organization. There was a lot of optimism, it was a very exciting time. For the terminal block area, there were three employees who were responsible for everything and designed everything. One of them was me. A very small team, extremely close. In the beginning, I was supposed to bring something to the pneumatic tube mail system, so I thought they were pulling my leg as the new guy. That was until I realized that the company actually still had a pneumatic tube. That was exactly the time when people predicted that terminal blocks were nearing their end. It was the age of fieldbuses. There was a theory that fieldbuses would replace terminal blocks. Quite a mistake (he says with a grin). Then I had different tasks and developed into a manager. In 1999 I became a BU manager, then a senior vice president, then a BA manager. It does sound linear, but it was always “spiced up” with special tasks, especially in the international field. And then last year in August, I became a member of the Executive Board. è Well, a person doesn’t automatically become a General Manager after 26 years of service, so to speak. What is it that sets you apart and qualifies you above the rest? I have a drive to succeed, for the company and also as a person. I don’t mean that in a negative way, but as positive further development. I’ve always enjoyed working. Designing something, building it up, watching it grow – that’s what I à The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/21 49

I N T E R V I E W like. The final reward is to experience the positive feedback of customers in person at trade shows. take all opportunities to learn. My aspiration is to be able to ask the right questions in any role and at any time. As Business Area President, I’m in the right position, of course. I find it a great advantage to be able to maintain an overall view, while at the same time being able to accompany colleagues in their immediate work. è You’ve become acquainted with many aspects of Phoenix Contact. How has Görlitzer, as a colleague, changed along the way? I am always direct and honest. Working with me is definitely intense. However, I’ve certainly changed my style a lot over the years. Authoritarian is the wrong word, but I did have very clear ideas of my strategic direction in the beginning. I wanted to turn the terminal block into a system. I knew this was a task that would take a good ten years. When you’re pursuing such a long-term vision, there’s not that much willingness to make short-term compromises. But the bigger and more complex the tasks and organization become, the more you have to change. Management styles break down when the person at the top can no longer manage two things: complexity and agility. The old leadership styles based on sheer assertiveness and a strict hierarchy will no longer lead to success. Hierarchies should be very open. And colleagues should and can also have the courage to approach me with their issues. As a human being, you see the people around you. è At Phoenix Contact, a globally active medium-sized company, a great deal of importance is placed on the corporate culture. How do you plan to help influence this culture in the future? As a manager, I have three elements to develop at the same time: our business models, the international organization and, of course, the people with their different personalities and skills. The more responsibility you are given, the more the weights shift. Empowering the people of the next generation and preserving our own identity are significant key tasks. We can’t just write the company culture down on a piece of paper; we have to pass it on through our own example. With this culture and in its spirit, we shape the business models and the international organization. They are three equally important poles of a system, with the customer at the center. è Are you more of an engineer or a salesperson at heart? I am more of a generalist and interested in all functions. This applies both to sales and talking directly to the customer as well as to production and development. But my hobbyhorse is still product marketing and development, the very heart of everything we offer to the customer. In my role, I constantly 50 UPDATE 2/21 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine è You are a successful Business Area president in an organization that operates very independently and is expected to do so. At the same time, you and the other two BA presidents Leidecker and Janwlecke, in your capacity as members of the Executive Board, are expected to structure the role of your own areas to such an extent that they fit into the overall strategy. Isn’t that a contradiction and a balancing act? I believe that everyone is well advised to always consider the requirements of the company in addition to their own objectives and to give them higher priority. It’s always important to distinguish between short-term fun and long- term gratification (laughs). In light of this, I’m naturally very aware of the tension between the two. But in today’s integrated world, an isolated strategy is never the solution. It’s not a question of size. All functions such as logistics, IT, and also tooling and machine building are key factors for the success of the business areas. Being mutually responsible with colleagues here is an incredible advantage. It makes long-term planning much easier, and all units can rely on each other and flourish. è Once again: Three successful top managers, three strong leadership personalities with very different approaches – how does that harmonize in the Executive Board? Right, we are very different, also in our business models. But we’ve known each other for many years, including our different approaches, and we appreciate each other as people and managers alike. We’re also constantly looking for synergies in our discussions. This touches on technological issues as much as organizational elements, which always lead to positive discussions. The independence of the business areas is one of the reasons for their success. In this respect, focusing on the customer’s point of view is the center of our diversification. The business models are organized according to how we can best satisfy these demands of our customers. A customer who wants us to provide a solution for controlling a windmill has different demands than a customer who needs a system for power supplies. As technicians, we also understand the worlds of the other two business areas, which is a great advantage. è How do you deal with friction in these coordination processes? I like the notion of dispute. It’s an important notion in my BA and one I also try to cultivate. It’s necessary to take different points of view and to exchange arguments, even in intense

“I like the notion of dispute. Friction and dispute carry positive connotations for me.” Dirk Görlitzer, COO Phoenix Contact An interview on rough terrain – Dirk Görlitzer clearly feels at home in the quarry disputes, and after weighing all the arguments there is always a clear decision-making process. Friction and dispute carry positive connotations for me. I stand by my opinion, but I also allow the opinion of the other person. I am very open about that. And humor is an important key. I really appreciate being able to bring a smile to the people around me. è Would you describe yourself as a person who acts in a more controlled manner and also reflects and questions himself often? Yes. The way I see it, self-awareness is part of growing as a person. You can’t develop if you don’t see yourself, if you don’t own up to your mistakes. From my perspective, honest self- reflection is a key characteristic of good management. This is true in our work as managers, and also as people. è What is your opinion of the mission statement of the All Electric Society? I am strongly convinced that this vision is correct as a notion for the future. It’s a beautiful bridge to the future for all Phoenix Contact stakeholders. For our customers, electrifying the world creates a huge growth cycle of one or two decades. It’s now up to us to show that economy and ecology do not contradict each other. Our industry is at the center of the transformation. I’m really looking forward to that. è The terminal block was long considered a discontinued model. How do you see this technology in the context of the vision of Empowering the All Electric Society? Whether in renewable power generation or storing energy with Power-to-X technologies, BA ICE products and technologies will always be in use. Connecting, switching, protecting, power generation, power conversion, power measurement – these are the classic core areas that Phoenix Contact has helped to build up over the last 100 years. An All Electric Society opens up fantastic, almost infinite possibilities, especially also for the good old terminal block that is still in top shape. (lo)  https://update.phoenixcontact.com/en/ The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/21 51

B E H I N D T H E S C E N E S Two Degrees Are Enough How can we strike a balance between climate protection and prosperity? In January 2021, Phoenix Contact became a corporate sponsor of the Foundation 2° initiative. This initiative by Dr. Michael Otto (Otto Group Hamburg, Germany), intends to call on politicians to establish effective market- oriented framework conditions for climate protection. By sponsoring, the Blomberg- based company clearly shows that its corporate mission statement “Empowering the All Electric Society” is truly being put into practice. CEO Frank Stührenberg emphasizes. “The technical dimensions of the climate and energy revolution turn challenges into outstanding opportunities. The All Electric Society vision answers all of the key questions facing our future, because carbon-neutral energy will be the key factor to reconcile climate protection and global prosperity. Phoenix Contact is on the front lines of this movement, empowering its partners and customers. Our collaboration with Foundation 2° is a further step in this direction.” More on this commitment and the background story will be featured in the next issue of UDPATE. stiftung2grad.de/en An American pioneer The long-time head of Phoenix Contact USA has passed away He was denied one great wish. “I would like to be invited to the 100th anniversary of Phoenix Contact,” said Don Springer in the winter of 2004, when he was bid farewell as head of the American subsidiary after 23 years. Don Springer was the man of the first hour in the USA. Josef Eisert had once declared, “America, that’s not a market for us.” His son Gerd had a different opinion when he developed the American business from scratch together with Don Springer. In 1981, together with Gerd Eisert and a team of five employees, Springer founded Phoenix Contact, Inc. in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on leased space. A year later, the team moved to its own premises. Today, 800 employees work at the US Group Center of Competence. Don Springer handed over the reins to his successor Jack Nehlig in 2001, but remained significantly active for another three years. Don Springer passed away on May 28. Do good and talk about it Converting to climate neutrality Phoenix Contact has converted all its German locations to green electricity. As one of the first members of the Klimaschutz-Unternehmen e.V. climate initiative, the Blomberg-based company has been following a consistent path for a long time. “By the end of 2021, all of the Group’s locations worldwide should be operating on a climate-neutral basis. By 2030, Phoenix Contact is planned to become completely climate- neutral in all its value and supply chains. In the project, we are developing a strategy for this, and the switch to green electricity plays a key role,” says COO Torsten Janwlecke, explaining the ambitious goals. The need to align corporate policy more consistently with sustainability has hardly passed any company by. “But it is still not clearly defined what exactly that means,” explains Professor Jens Hesselbach, head of the Department of Sustainable Products and Processes at the University of Kassel. The goal, he says, is to develop guidelines that will set an example. Wolfgang Saam, Managing Director of Klimaschutz-Unternehmen e. V., adds: “Everyone is talking about being carbon-neutral. Our project is designed to help companies to improve their efficiency and switch to renewable energy so that compensation remains the exception. In real-world scenarios, we are testing how ambitious the climate protection targets set by policymakers are, where obstacles occur, and what adjustments should be made.” Phoenix Contact is one of ten companies participating in the “Paths to a Climate-Neutral Company” project. klimaschutz-unternehmen.de 52

Manager of the Year Torsten Janwlecke receives award For the seventh time, the magazine Markt & Technik called to elect the Manager of the Year. Markt & Technik is a weekly magazine for electronics. It is published by WEKA Fachmedienverlag and is one of the most renowned trade magazines in the industry. Torsten Janwlecke was awarded by the well-informed readers in the category “Electromechanics”. According to the editors, the nomination and the current selection were made because this top manager of Phoenix Contact, as the person responsible for his Business Area, has decisively advanced such essential trends as Single Pair Ethernet. elektroniknet.de/international B E H I N D T H E S C E N E S Ice detected, danger deterred A vital contribution to the energy revolution With its own special issue on the subject of ice detection on wind turbines, UPDATE will provide information on the fascinating technical possibilities that make up the company’s own ice detection system. Ice formation is a major nuisance for any wind turbine operator, because as soon as the crystals form and create an ice shell around the rotor blades, the windmill has to stop for safety reasons. With an innovative technical innovation, Phoenix Contact provides the ability to drastically reduce these downtimes and still operate the systems safely. The ice detection system can also be integrated into the overall Blade Intelligence SPECIAL The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine system and can be retrofitted. This will make renewable energies much more reliable, while being even more economically attractive at the same time. It’s a valuable contribution to the success of the energy revolution. update.phoenixcontact.com/en series was launched with the INTERBUS fieldbus system. Starting without contact, but with electronics 25 years of Phoenix Contact in Bad Pyrmont Basically, it all started with a trip to the Netherlands in the 1980s. One of the general managers at the time returned from a trade fair, bringing back the realization that Phoenix Contact absolutely needed a foothold in the new field of electronic automation. A corresponding product was just a town in the local area for most employees at Phoenix Contact. There, in neighboring state of Lower Saxony, a subsidiary called Phoenix Electronics was founded on June 21, 1996. 25 years ago, Bad Pyrmont The missing “Contact” was not added until 2004. For the first time, a new production facility was not built at the Blomberg location. “The requirements for production were so new and specific that we wanted to realize this central project separately from the ‘everyday’ Blomberg operation,” describes Hans- Jürgen Koch, Member of the Management Board of Phoenix Contact Electronics. In the winter of 1994/95, construction of the building began. “The place was close by. Moreover, we were welcomed with open arms by both the city and the federal state.” The building was completed 25 years ago and production began. “The plan was for Bad Pyrmont to be purely a manufacturing site. Development, sales, marketing, these functions were to stay in Blomberg.” Since then, it has become a location with around 1,800 employees. And Bad Pyrmont has long since acquired a very special meaning for the colleagues in Blomberg as well. The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 2/21 53 ICE DETEC TION

B E H I N D T H E S C E N E S Networks for Industry 4.0 New boost for technologies of the future Frank Possel-Dölken has taken the helm of the steering committee of the Industry 4.0 platform. The Chief Digital Officer of Phoenix Contact took over the rotating position from Dr. Frank Melzer, CTO of Festo. In line with coronavirus regulations, the handover took place entirely virtually during the Hannover Messe Digital trade fair. Possel-Dölken has set his sights on a new digitalization boost for Industry 4.0. He sees the topics of digital twins and the European cloud project GAIA-X as central elements. The network of over 350 players from more than 150 organizations in politics, business, science, trade unions, and associations provide the necessary backing to show that technology can be excellently brought in balance with economic and ecological sustainability. plattform-i40.de/PI40/Navigation/EN Frank Possel-Dölken Getting the shot in Schieder Protection against COVID-19 at Phoenix Contact The coronavirus pandemic has, of course, also had a strong impact on Phoenix Contact for a little over a year. From the outset, a dedicated crisis team was set up to not only monitor and manage the impact on supply chains, production, and delivery, but also to focus on the impact on employees. Mask mandates and large-scale work-from-home options were initial measures. An in-house testing center at the Schieder location followed. Shift schedules in production and logistics were timed to minimize person-to- person encounters. The last measure, for the time being, followed on June 8 as the company doctors started giving vaccinations at the company. Now, employees who cannot work from home are also protected. 54 UPDATE 2/21 The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine Control room of a traffic tunnel The Swiss look into the tubes Tunnel experts in Tagelswangen The Tunnel forum is to tunnel builders what Davos is to the global economy. Every two years, Phoenix Contact Switzerland organizes this central information event with multiple experts from various disciplines. This was also the case in the spring of 2021, where Markus Kolb, Head of the Industry Management & Automation Market Segment, and Heinz Frei, Market Manager of Infrastructure, met with renowned speakers from the tunnel industry and numerous experts. Due to COVID-19, the event was held virtually instead of as usual in Tagelswangen, Switzerland. This did not have a negative impact on the quality of the topics at the two-day event, though. The range of topics covered everything from tunnel lighting and ventilation to dynamic traffic guidance and software solutions for control centers. The more than 80 participants were informed about lighting measurements, smart tunnel lighting in any situation and time of day, and suitable solutions. The second day focused on applications in signaling as well as the IT/OT security of the respective networks. Here, too, the experts from Phoenix Contact gave final presentations of precisely tailored solutions from the product portfolio. The event ended with a lively final discussion and showed that tunnels, as a central elements of traffic management, will continue to attract more attention in the coming decades, and not just in Switzerland! update.phoenixcontact.com/en

The next issue will appear in September 2021: Fire When combustion becomes visible, it is called fire. Humans have been using the resulting heat and light since ancient times. And even today, as various applications in Phoenix Contact’s technological field demonstrate. Take a journey into the world of flame, heat, and fire... Legal information Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG Corporate Communications Lutz Odewald (Editor-in-Chief) Telephone: +49 5235 3-42153 E-mail: lodewald@phoenixcontact.com Design and implementation: Ralf Tegtmeyer, Christian Brill, Fabian Hayes Photo credits: Cover: © I.Dr/Shutterstock © Shutterstock: 7, 20/21, 23, 24/25, 26/27, 34 ff., 40, 55 Andre Köller: 2, 10 ff., 16 ff., 40 ff., 48 ff. Thomas Franz: 30 ff. Lutz Odewald: 22 ff. Jürg Uehlinger: 27 ff. From the industry: Fraunhofer IFAM Dresden, Guardin Technologies GmbH, EnBW/Uli Deck Überseequartier p. 8/9 : MK timelapse/URW Earthquake p. 24, 25: Secty electronics Mining Chile p. 37: Iris Wunderlich Over hill and dale p. 44 ff: Stohl Automotiv Group Copyright © 2021 Phoenix Contact All rights reserved. ID-No. 21104056 EXCITING OVERVOLTAGE Godlike Nobody has to wait for thunderstorms in Blomberg. Phoenix Contact makes them on its own. A visit to the lords of lightning. SUNNY PROSPECTS The power of the sun Solar fire not only feeds green plants with energy for photosynthesis, but also power plants. How do you tame this power? IT COULDN’T BE MORE ROBUST Hephaestus’ hot cables The Greek god of fire and blacksmithing would have been delighted with these cable shields. 3