Fuel cells are being used increasingly to replace fossil fuels such as diesel generators, e.g., in emergency power applications, island grids, and ship systems. Precision control and automation solutions are crucial for reliable and efficient operation. With PLCnext Technology, Phoenix Contact is providing an open, modular platform for the automation of fuel cell systems. It integrates functional safety and cybersecurity.
Safe operation and a long service life are crucial for the widespread acceptance of fuel cells. Several fuel cell stacks are combined with each other to achieve the desired output power. This combination of stacks requires solutions that transmit both current and data signals.
Efficient operation requires continuous monitoring and the closed-loop control of key process parameters. These include the temperature within the stacks, pressures of fuel and air or oxygen, and electrical stack parameters. The scope of these functions requires an automatic control system. At the same time, the safety of the entire fuel cell system must be guaranteed at all times and a suitable security concept must be in place.
Our PLCnext Technology ecosystem controls and monitors fuel cell applications efficiently and safely, whether in emergency power applications, as a backup power system, or in a maritime environment. The modular architecture consisting of PLCnext Control and Axioline I/O integrates all relevant sensors and actuators. In addition to the acquisition of standard signals, it is also possible to integrate safety-critical signals via functionally safe I/O modules and to integrate intrinsically safe signals.
With IEC 62443 certification and the consistent use of open communication interfaces, you can easily connect your fuel cell application to higher-level data acquisition systems in an IT-safe manner. Learn more about this in our video.
Fuel cell systems are ideal for decentral applications. Various solutions are available for secure remote access, which efficiently support maintenance and service work and significantly reduce the need for on-site service actions.
The mGuard Secure Cloud enables the secure and reliable transmission of data over the Internet. The turnkey remote maintenance solution connects service personnel and systems via encrypted VPN connections. This ensures that the confidentiality, authenticity, and integrity of the data transmitted is retained.
Fuel cells can lose substantial performance capacity even with slight deviations from the optimum operating conditions. It is therefore necessary to monitor and control the critical operating parameters, including the operating temperatures and pressures, as well as the electrical stack parameters. To do this, power, signal, and data connections are required on a large scale for safe and reliable operation of fuel cells.
To also use fuel cells in critical infrastructure, comprehensive protection against cyberattacks is required. Ensuring system conformity with regard to functional safety and explosion protection also plays an important role. Together with our customers, we develop a thorough analysis of the possible hazards and create a suitable safety concept.
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.
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.
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.
Feel free to contact us. Together, we will find an ideal solution for equipping your control cabinets with more than 100,000 products from connection, communication, and automation technology.
