Power reliability in DC grids Energy efficiency, grid stability, and resource efficiency are three outstanding features of DC grids. In order to maximize these advantages, DC grids must be operated stably and reliably. Phoenix Contact provides the ideal solutions for power electronics and protection technology.
In a world that is increasingly using renewable energy and sustainable solutions, DC grids are becoming increasingly important. Today, generators, storage systems, and almost all loads are already DC-powered. These areas can be coupled together particularly efficiently via DC grids. This means that DC grids are the key element on the path to climate neutrality. These grids are not only an efficient solution for power transmission, they also save resources and feature numerous advantages in terms of reliability and grid quality. Suitable power electronics and power supplies are required for the construction and holistic operation of DC grids.
Power electronics for DC grids For reliable supply solutions
If DC grids are supplied from the public AC grid, active AC/DC supply devices are recommended. With their bidirectionality and certification in accordance with VDE-AR-N 4110 and VDE-AR-N 4105, these devices – known as AICs (Active Infeed Converters) – enable excess energy, for example from renewable energy sources, to be fed back into the public grid. For example, the TRIO POWER AC/DC power module with a power of 20 kW and bidirectional power conversion can be used for this. With its frontal connection technology and a DC voltage of up to 1,000 V, it can be used in a wide range of applications.
Our CHARX power modules in the 19" format make the integration of DC sectors into the DC grid very easy with their wide DC input and output range.
PLCnext Engineer enables the flexible control of individual modules. As a result, the DC sectors can be combined to form a comprehensive grid management system. This increases the efficiency and flexibility of the overall system.
24 V DC supply direct from the DC grid Reliable supply concepts at all levels
Our power supplies from the QUINT product family enable you to reliably supply your 24 V loads from the DC grid. The various functions in different power ranges ensure maximum availability of your system.
Even if DC/DC converters are required for conversion to other voltage levels at the 24 V DC level, nothing changes for you. These and other products, such as redundancy modules, buffer modules, and DC/AC inverters can be used as normal. We also offer you our promise of particularly high system availability with our holistic and reliable supply concept, the Power Reliability concept, for DC grids.
Surge protection in DC grids Tailor-made solutions for safe operation from 12 V DC to 1,500 V DC
The DIN VDE 0100-443 standard prescribes surge protection if surge voltages can endanger human lives, public facilities, or industrial systems. This applies equally to both AC grids and DC grids. In DC grids, many electronic components are used which have an increased risk of failure in the event of overvoltages. We provide tailor-made DC surge protection from 12 V DC to 1,500 V DC for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of your system.
Reliable device protection Optimum protection for machine and control cabinets
Device circuit breakers provide reliable protection in DC grids. They prevent overloads and short circuits by quickly interrupting the circuit in the event of an error. Thanks to their high switching capacity and fast response time, they are ideal for use in industrial applications and control systems. The modular design of our device circuit breakers enables easy integration and extensions in existing systems. They contribute to the safety and efficiency of modern DC grids. Our device circuit breakers are designed for 24 V or 48 V DC grids.
The use of special products such as the CONTACTRON ELR HDC DC circuit breaker is recommended for switching higher voltages.
Areas of application per technology Depending on the technology used in the device circuit breakers, there are preferred areas of application for the protective devices.
This table shows the optimum tripping technology for your application:
| Tripping time in the event of overload | Tripping time in the event of a short circuit | Your application is optimally protected in the event of | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal device circuit breakers | suitable | unsuitable | Overload |
| Thermal-magnetic device circuit breakers | suitable | ideal | Overload, short circuit |
| Electronic circuit breakers | ideal | ideal | Overload, short circuit, and long cable paths |
Products and solutions for power reliability in DC grids
Research and development We are characterized by innovative strength and future security
The use of DC grids in industry is just starting to take off. Therefore, technical hurdles and a lack of standards are currently still posing some challenges for our customers. In order to counteract this and promote the development of DC grids, Phoenix Contact has been involved in international research projects and committees such as the ODCA, Shift2DC, and HybSchaDC on the topic of direct current for years and is investing heavily in its own product development.
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Let’s shape a more sustainable future together by developing direct DC grids
