Standards and data-driven automation for energy transition

Power is the order of the day at the E-world in Essen. Around 900 exhibitors from 30 nations will be showcasing their offers for the energy sector from 11 to 13 February. Eplan and Rittal will also be there to demonstrate innovative solutions as their contribution to a rapid and cost-efficient energy transition. “The main course of action is to industrialise entire process chains," says Verena Freund, Solutions Sales Management Energy at Rittal. “The infrastructure expansion can gain the pace it urgently needs through consistent data, coordinated software, system technology and suitable automation solutions.”

Data consistency makes all the difference

“For a digital workflow to be truly effective, data must be accurate – right from the start. Experience in mechanical engineering, which already has a high degree of industrialisation, shows the potential that exists. Now we want to bring these opportunities for boosting efficiency and acceleration to the energy sector – right up to ‘automated engineering’,” explains Stephanie Kudak, Vertical Market Manager Energy at Eplan. In Essen, visitors can expect bundled Eplan expertise on digital twins for substations, transformer stations, energy storage or charging infrastructure, which has already passed practical tests.

Energy transition: data packages make implementation easier

A compact transformer station with pre-planned project documentation being displayed in Essen makes it clear how implementation can be achieved with Eplan. The planning and designing of the transformer station with a medium and low-voltage system is presented; this is available in the Eplan Cloud as a standard industrial project. In practice, it can be used to plan grid stations or develop complete decentralised energy systems in a more standardised manner. A special equipment and parts list, considered necessary in the energy sector, is also supplied as default.

Power distribution made easy: RiLineX

In Essen, Rittal is presenting RiLineX, a new platform for 60-mm busbar systems for power distribution. The “click-on” system made up of boards and components simplifies the previously time-consuming construction of power distribution in enclosure population, with time savings of as much as 30% in engineering and 50% in installation. Rittal is also promoting standardisation with a consistent platform approach. A platform ecosystem with technology partners was started even before sales began. Manufacturers of devices and components also receive the interface data needed for product development. The relevant system data is already stored in Eplan Pro Panel.

RiPower also offers digital support for planning: The configuration software accelerates the safe planning and construction of low-voltage switchgear and collaboration on a cloud platform, thanks to simplified workflows. Specialist planners and switchgear manufacturers receive straightforward support when planning their systems. Climate control is a crucial factor, especially with a high power density in the enclosure. Planners using the RiTherm software can deploy data from Eplan and integrate the climate control requirements into the seamless planning process.

Rittal 

Rittal is a leading global supplier of enclosure systems, automation and infrastructure with its industrial, IT, energy and power, cooling and service units. Rittal products and solutions are used in over 90% of global industries – standardised, customised, and always of the very best quality.

Our approach and methodology: Rittal, Rittal Software Systems (Eplan, Cideon) and Rittal Automation Systems (RAS, Ehrt, Alfra) combine their hardware and software expertise to streamline, optimise and digitalise processes across the entire value chain for our customers including their IT infrastructure – from control and switchgear construction, machine building to factory operators or the energy sector.

Our delivery promise: Rittal standard products are delivered in Germany within 24 hours, and within 48 hours throughout Europe.

Customer focus

Improving efficiency and increasing productivity through automation and digitalisation is one of the biggest challenges for our customers. This requires in-depth knowledge and expertise, the combination of hardware and software, and cross-sector networking. We are convinced that creating and connecting data rooms is crucial to the success of industrial transformation. And that is exactly our speciality and field of competence.

Eplan and Rittal are driving the development of the digital automation twin, making data accessible and useable in operations as well. Cideon is improving data consistency in the digital product twin context with its CAD/CAM, PDM/PLM and product configuration expertise.

Sustainability

Environmental and climate protection, social commitment and ethical corporate management are a given for Rittal. We take our responsibility for a sustainable future seriously. Our approach to resource management and conservation involves continuous improvement of our own production processes and ensuring that our products have the lowest possible Product Carbon Footprint. Our solutions support our customers in achieving their own climate targets.

Family business and global player

Founded in 1961, Rittal is the largest company in the owner-operated Friedhelm Loh Group. The group operates worldwide, with 12 production sites and 95 international subsidiaries. It has 12,100 employees and posted revenues of 3 billion euros in fiscal 2023. In 2023, the Friedhelm Loh Group was presented with the “Best Place to Learn” and “Employer of the Future” awards. In 2024, Rittal was awarded the Top 100 Seal as one of Germany’s most innovative medium-sized companies for the third time in a row.

For more information, visit www.rittal.com and www.friedhelm-loh-group.com.