Sector coupling places demanding requirements on the connectors

How can the energy transition succeed? Parts of industry and standardisation, including ZVEI, the Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (VDE) and DKE, are advocating and campaigning for sector coupling in order to replace fossil fuels with renewable resources. Heat generation and transport are therefore to be linked in terms of data technology and energy. Sectors communicate directly with each other in order to achieve optimum energy efficiency. An interview with Norbert Gemmeke, Managing Director of HARTING Electric, about the role of connectors in this scenario.

tec.news: What technological challenges does sector coupling entail - and what role can connectors play in these solution scenarios?

Norbert Gemmeke: The only way to achieve CO2 reductions is by relying on sustainable and therefore renewable energy efficiently. To achieve this, the energy, i.e. the electricity, must be optimally connected, regulated and controlled. Connectors for power and data are crucial here.

tec.news: On the way to the All-Electric Society (AES), HARTING has specifically identified the Energy, Mobility and Industry sectors. What can industrial production in particular contribute to replacing fossil fuels?

Gemmeke: Direct current (DC) is playing a major role in all the areas mentioned. In industry, very high efficiency levels can be achieved through the direct use of wind and solar energy and by harnessing the braking energy of drives.

tec.news: How can connectors help to support the use of electricity storage systems in industry and boost efficiency?

Gemmeke: I would like to look at the bigger picture here: Consistent implementation of the AES will make the world considerably more electric. This requires higher current densities in the most compact of spaces and calls for higher current and voltage levels. On the one hand, this steps up the demands made on connectors. On the other hand, the connectors are becoming more universal and more uniform in terms of their electrical requirements, not only for use in energy storage systems (ESS), but also in machines, energy distributors and their applications in the mobility sector.

tec.news: More control functions and the use of grid buffers and storage systems are required to balance out the dips and peaks in renewable generation. What does that mean for customers?

Gemmeke: Two decisive directions must be considered here: Firstly, the energy involved. This must be provided rapidly, in a straightforward and securely scalable manner – and this can only be realised with plug connectors. On the other hand, control and regulation functions and therefore the data connectors in place will play a decisive role. The intelligent management of energy through the use of software and AI will be a crucial factor here.

tec.news: Above all, industry has an interest in a balanced, secure and favourable supply of electricity from renewable energies. Do we have the necessary infrastructure in place in the lifelines of industry to safely drive sector coupling?

Gemmeke: At present, we do not yet have such an infrastructure – so this is a vital goal of the AES. The starting points have been set, but the ongoing expansion must still pick up a great deal of speed.

tec.news: Coordination between the sectors entails the exchange of huge data volumes. The infrastructures involved must be able to communicate. From the point of view of a manufacturer of connection technology, what needs to happen in the area of standards/norms so that the transitions become seamless and smooth?

Gemmeke: We are not only talking about massive volumes, but also about large amounts of energy and high connected loads. The high-speed implementation of the AES can only be achieved through standards in connectors, ESS and distributors (hardware and software). This applies to both electricity and data.

tec.news: In industry, the modularisation of machines and systems helps to reduce downtimes and operating costs. Connectors support this process by way of their design and construction. Will modularity now also continue to advance in the other sectors – as in the transport, electricity and heat generation sectors?

Gemmeke: Yes, definitely. On the one hand, more uniform requirements are being placed on contacts and mating faces. On the other hand, these demands also need to be made on cables and cable assemblies and fulfilled accordingly.