Decentral fieldbus distribution in power stations

Fieldbus-based automation systems are increasingly being used in power stations. As such, the most modern power station automation systems not only offer integrated auxiliary power consumption via IEC 61850, but also end-to-end connection of process engineering via Profibus DP.

Standardized diagnostics, end-to-end communication and standardized engineering tools allow the infrastructure to be flexibly adapted to optimize processes.

Phoenix Contact offers you a wide range of media converters to implement various network topologies for copper or fiber optic cabling. These devices allow you to realize typical network structures – such as line, star and tree structures as well as redundant fiber optic rings – very flexibly. The integrated bar graph provides continuous, updated information on the transmission quality of the fiber-optic line. When and if a critical level is reached, an early warning is output via a switching contact before a system failure occurs.

We also supply individual fieldbus distribution stations in conjunction with a redundant supply concept for auxiliary voltage. These stations are used e.g. to accommodate fiber optic-based, redundant Profibus lines and wired sub-distribution up to the actuators in the process environment. To this end, the Quint ORING redundancy module monitors redundancy in the supply line to the fieldbus distribution station. Process devices can also be supplied directly from the fieldbus distribution station using device circuit breakers. The potential distribution required is realized using modular terminal blocks with Push-in connection technology, which allows the conductors to be plug connected without the need for using tools. If needed, you can implement fieldbus distribution station connections using Plug-and-Play connectors. This reduces assembly costs and significantly improves fault tolerance.