Even in a digital smart grid, there are still analog systems that must be controlled via relay switching inputs. An efficient rollout of smart metering systems therefore requires relay technology in addition to digital control via EEBUS. This fulfills the requirements of § 14a EnWG and § 9 EEG, which increases flexibility in the grid. The Forum Netztechnik/Netzbetrieb within the VDE currently recommends digital interfaces for control applications—however, in practice, many existing devices do not yet have an EEBUS interface. With the EEBUS Relay Converter (ERC), Weidmüller and Power Plus Communications AG (PPC) are now introducing a product that fills this gap.

The ERC receives control commands from the distribution network operator via the PPC SMGWplus and converts EEBUS into analog switching signals on four output relays (S1, S2, W3, W4). These can be used to implement both the step control (100 percent, 60 percent, 30 percent, 0 percent) of generation plants and the “single-contact” control for generators and consumers. Firmware updates can be performed via the local direct connection or via a remote connection. Depending on customer requirements, either Weidmüller’s firmware update service or the update from the metering point operator’s backend via CLS communication is used.

Dr. Christian von Toll, Chief Sales Officer at Weidmüller, reports: “In light of rising energy consumption, the intelligent control of consumers in buildings is of central importance. With the ERC, we can also connect existing properties and systems to the smart grid securely and in accordance with current cybersecurity requirements. In this way, we are driving digitalization forward while simultaneously creating the necessary infrastructure for the energy transition. With PPC, we have also gained a strong partner that embodies the same pioneering spirit as Weidmüller.”

“We are pleased that the ERC enables the German market to utilize the SMGWplus for highly efficient digital control of relay systems. Metering point operators remain within their existing process environment and can build upon established methods and the iMSys during the rollout—while still addressing the numerous new and existing systems. This provides additional flexibility for the ongoing smart meter rollout and the smart grid in the short term,” affirms Ingo Schönberg, CEO of PPC. “With Weidmüller, we have gained a development and production partner who also considers the efficiency potential of this control solution to be very high.”

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