Beckhoff Revolutionizes Energy Supply with PC-Based Control Technology

Enhanced Security, Efficiency, and Decarbonization in Power Grids

Beckhoff is transforming the energy sector with its PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology, offering innovative solutions for secure and decarbonized energy supply. The company’s advanced systems enable reliable monitoring and control of energy flows, efficient management of heterogeneous power grids, and simplified applications through IEC 60255-118-1-compliant modular phasor measurement units (PMUs) and cutting-edge connection technology for energy measurement points.

A standout innovation is the EL3475 EtherCAT Terminal, a 12-channel analog input module designed for precise power measurement. With 24-bit resolution and an input voltage of 333 mV, it supports four RJ45 connections, each capable of linking three current or voltage transformers. This versatility ensures seamless integration into existing systems, providing grid operators with greater transparency and enabling effective load management. Additionally, Beckhoff’s split-core current and voltage transformers, such as the SCTxxxx, SVL1xxx, and SCL6xxx series, replace traditional analog devices, creating a streamlined measuring chain for process optimization.

For global synchronization, Beckhoff introduces the EL6689 EtherCAT Terminal, which connects directly to GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) via an SMA antenna connector. Supporting all major GNSS systems—NAVSTAR GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou—it ensures worldwide synchronization accuracy as low as 100 nanoseconds, ideal for distributed measuring systems in supply networks.

Beckhoff’s TwinCAT software further enhances energy measurement capabilities. Key features include:

• TwinCAT 3 Power Collector (TF8330): Simplifies power measurement applications with standardized interfaces for EL34xx EtherCAT Terminals and supports advanced protocols like MQTT, HTTP REST, and OPC UA.
• TwinCAT 3 Power Technologies (TF8350): Enables in-depth diagnostics for electrical power measurement, facilitating PMU implementation for precise phase measurement.
• TwinCAT 3 Power Control (TF8360): Provides modules for power plant controllers, ensuring compliance with grid standards like VDE-AR-N 4110 and VDE-AR-N 4120.

These innovations position Beckhoff as a leader in energy supply solutions, addressing the growing demands of bidirectional energy flows and distributed power generation.