Phoenix Contact supports joint ongoing development of open-system smart grid platform

The constantly increasing grid feed-in from renewable energy generation plants as well as adjoining sectors is leading to more electricity network volatility. In addition, the required energy storage and the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles must be integrated. To ensure network stability, improved system coordination is required, as well as corresponding services from the distribution network.

In this context, SAG GmbH, part of the SPIE Group since the end of March 2017, and a service and system supplier for power grids and systems relating to the generation, provision and use of energy and media, together with Mauell GmbH, has developed scalable Smart Grid platform iNES. The intelligent distribution grid network management solution combines network components such as variable local grid transformers, voltage regulators and reactive and active power, while taking into account grid storage, into one overall system. iNES continuously monitors the current network state, troubleshoots critical situations using targeted control interventions and thereby ensures optimum utilisation of equipment. In this way, costly investments in network development can be put back or significantly reduced. Furthermore, it also opens up new business models for network operators.

After Phoenix Contact became involved in a part of Mauell GmbH, specifically Mauell Netzleittechnik GmbH, in November 2016, the newly founded company was fully acquired as of 1 April 2017. The subsidiary, which operates under the name Phoenix Contact Energy Automation GmbH, is continuing to work closely together with SAG GmbH on the iNES system solution. Due to this collaboration, both companies are expecting increased innovation while simultaneously reducing the development efforts required in the field of distributed energy systems. In doing so, they are relying on the interoperability of iNES when it comes to existing devices, as well as those to be integrated in the future. Here, Phoenix Contact offers a comprehensive portfolio of innovative components and systems such as controllers and network technology, I/O systems, as well as remote control and visualisation solutions, which are already being used in many applications in energy generation and distribution.