Control and monitoring of electrolyzers Increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your electrolysis plants with our scalable, safe, and open control and monitoring solutions.

Electrolyzer and wind turbine

The challenge


Conversation with two people in front of an electrolyzer

Efficient and cost-optimized electrolyzers

In order to noticeably reduce process costs, more than ever before, solutions are in demand that make the operation of electrolysis plants efficient and cost-effective. Acquiring and transmitting the field data required for digitalization is, however, a complex task and must not negatively impact operational safety. For instance, the power supply must be guaranteed during both operation and system downtime. Furthermore, it is important to control the electrolysis process, including the startup and shutting down of the entire system, to overcome fluctuations in the renewable energy generated by wind and solar power. In addition to this, the heat generated by the process and the circulating pumps needs to be dissipated, and the temperature of the water and electrolyte regulated. And finally, numerous process parameters – and in particular the purity of the hydrogen generated – have to be monitored via sensors.

Solution


Control cabinets in the electrolyzer

Consistent digitalization of systems and processes

With our open PLCnext Technology ecosystem, you can control and monitor the entire electrolysis with the corresponding processes and systems. The solution also supports maintenance concepts based on diagnostic signals. PLCnext Technology acquires the sensor data synchronously and evaluates it in the appropriate format, allowing electrolyzers to be controlled with a complete set of current data. Planning and decision-making processes are shortened, thereby increasing the efficiency of the electrolyzers through intelligent data use. AI-supported evaluations can detect deviations from the system’s standard behavior. It is possible to link to external databases as well as model and scenario calculations via Matlab Simulink or PLCnext Technology.

Persons with a tablet in front of an electrolyzer

Access to decentral electrolysis plants

We offer various options for secure remote access to your electrolysis plants. This means that you can perform maintenance and service jobs quickly and efficiently and significantly reduce costly and time-consuming on-site service calls. For data transmission, we offer our mGuard Secure Cloud solution. This turnkey remote maintenance solution connects service personnel and systems over the Internet securely and reliably. The mGuard Secure Cloud uses highly secure VPN tunnels and ensures the confidentiality, authenticity, and integrity of data transmitted between the devices.

Structure of an example control and monitoring solution

Our products and solutions enable hydrogen production to be controlled in the control center of the electrolyzer. In addition, they monitor tank levels, control the feed-in of the electrolytes, and control the fans, ventilation, and water pretreatment. Furthermore, we ensure electrical load management and safety-related applications, including emergency shutdown.

Interactive image map: Structure of an example control and monitoring solution for electrolysis plants
Security routers
With comprehensive security functions, the mGuard security routers protect your industrial network against unauthorized access by people or malware.
Learn more
Security routers
Automation technology for PLCnext Technology
Use our broad portfolio of automation technology to equip your system for the IIoT and Industry 4.0 with PLCnext Technology.
Learn more
Automation technology for PLCnext Technology
COMPLETE line – industry-specific solutions for the control cabinet
Set up control cabinets quickly and easily with the comprehensive and coordinated COMPLETE line product portfolio. The COMPLETE line products have a uniform design and uniform haptics, which makes them very easy to install.
Learn more
COMPLETE line – industry-specific solutions for the control cabinet
DC power electronics
Our highly efficient CHARX power electronics enable cost-effective operation.
Learn more
DC power electronics
Remote I/O systems
We provide a wide range of remote I/O systems for control cabinet and field installation.
Learn more
Remote I/O systems

Contact | Bernard Alejandria

Bernardo Alejandria
Bernard Alejandria
Vertical Market Manager, Process
403-542-9343
I would be happy to advise you on the way to a carbon-neutral future with green hydrogen.

We have the right answers to all electrical engineering questions regarding the design and operation of electrolyzers. This applies to control and monitoring as well as to security issues, whether they affect cybersecurity or explosion protection.

Andreas Lautmann - Phoenix Contact , Business Development Manager, Power-to-X
Andreas Lautmann, Business Development Manager, Power-to-X

Guaranteed safety

Electrolysis plants are covered by the KRITIS regulation for critical infrastructure. In addition, the increasing networking requires security, safety, and explosion protection to be examined side by side. We offer certified products and solutions as well as supporting services in order to minimize your safety and liability risks and to protect your system productivity.

SIL icon in front of power-to-X systems
Icon for explosion protection in front of power-to-X system
Industrial security for power-to-X systems
SIL icon in front of power-to-X systems

Functional safety mechanisms must be regulated in such a way that failures or potential hazardous situations can be managed. This is best achieved by means of a tailored safety concept.

We provide services to cover the entire safety lifecycle. In addition, our wide range of safety applications is certified in accordance with IEC 61508 and IEC 61511. To keep up to date with the latest knowledge, we will be happy to support you with training courses for employees.

More about functional safety
Icon for explosion protection in front of power-to-X system

Due to the occurrence of flammable gases, the topic of explosion protection is crucially important in the hydrogen industry. We offer a comprehensive selection of products and solutions for implementing the requirements in potentially explosive areas with various zones. If necessary, we will also train your employees. Furthermore, we support you with the validation and documentation of intrinsic safety.

More about explosion protection
Industrial security for power-to-X systems

Digital transformation and the increasing complexity of cyberattacks require a holistic security strategy. In addition, the implementation of cybersecurity measures is a legal requirement. Good protection against cyberattacks can only be achieved if coordinated technical and organizational measures are intermeshed.

This is why we offer a comprehensive 360° security concept that includes secure services, solutions, and products. This simplifies the protection of your systems and offers all-round protection for your plant.

More about industrial security

Products


Control cabinet in an electrolyzer

Still haven’t found the right product?

Feel free to contact us. Together, we will find an optimum solution for equipping your control cabinets with our more than 100,000 products from connection, communication, and automation technology.