Ateps: Han-Modular® docking frame for energy storage

The Dutch company ATEPS builds large electricity storage units for solar and wind energy plants. The basis is 19-inch cabinets, each with 16 memory drawers. Due to the modular design of the cabinets, it is possible to flexibly adapt the total size of the systems to different power producers.

ATEPS the energy storage facilities on-site, usually together with the inverters. Operators use ATEPS storage systems to control the feed-in of energy from their generators into the grid and to sell the power produced at maximum tariff. Part of the storage units also serve to optimise domestic power consumption. The storage volume ranges from a few kilowatt hours up to several megawatt hours.

For safety reasons, the interfaces for power and data supply are located at the rear side of the storage drawers, as voltages of over 800 V occur. ATEPS currently uses 70 A Axial Screw and Data Modules of the Han-Modular® series as interfaces, which are safely brought together by docking frames with their respective counterparts in the storage wall.

The frame elements, however, are equally high and low, differing in width and offering space for two to six modules. Long-leading guide pins ensure that the memory drawers cannot miss their connection point on the control cabinet wall.

Connectors open up the possibility of preassembling storage units, which speed up installation on the construction site. Connectors also simplify service and maintenance, as non-functional units can be removed faster and be replaced by new functional drawers.

The system continues to work while the defective units are being repaired or serviced. Thus, Han® connectors help to limit downtimes.

The docking frame is floating and can be made of metal or plastic as required. The frame can be used to integrate up to six modules from the Han-Modular® program, which comprises around 100 different interfaces. The portfolio includes power modules up to 200 A as well as high-poled signal modules, all common Ethernet and various robust communication interfaces. In addition to energy storage, mechanical engineering is the main area of application.

ATEPS attaches great importance to suppliers who are capable of delivering their parts throughout Europe, Asia and America with the same quality and speed. “In all our countries of operation, HARTING offers the same connectors, accompanied by the same information and at the same price. That’s very important for our planning,” says ATEPS CTO Jos Theuns.

“Furthermore, our company is constantly evolving. If we want to enhance the performance of our storage systems, we can always count on HARTING to come up with the right connectors.”