The electrical backbone for all sectors

In order to bring the vision of the All Electric Society (AES) to life, there are two vital lifelines that make sector coupling possible in the first place: the cross-sector flow of data and the cross-sector flow of energy.

And it is precisely these two topics – data and power – that the HARTING product portfolio is focusing on. Connectors and cables are the technical enablers that, above all, enable the consistent, continuous flow energy.

For the GBU Electric the importance of the components in applications counts. The AES presuppose a more extensive use of connectors, as these are pivotal for coupling the electrical backbone of all sectors.

In the past, a very strong focus was placed on the markets when developing connectivity solutions. As a result, power generation and consumption were analysed separately. This can no longer serve as a starting point. Within the context of the AES, we need a comprehensive, holistic system and the coupling of producers and consumers, in other words, sector coupling between all sectors. The focus here is on the holistic mission of sector coupling, especially when it comes to the topic of power. We see all sectors of the AES. Individual segments are currently highly significant.

There are four segments - Wind, Electrical Grid, Hydrogen and Energy Storage – that can be attributed to energy generation and energy transport. HARTING is able to address these segments on the basis of technologies and the right customer access.

This broader application range calls for connectors with more extensive properties: they must enable the convergent use of power and data in the future and continue to be optimally adapted to the concrete and specific application in the respective sectors. Especially when it comes to the relevant points and issues such as environmental conditions, service life, manageability, installation and safety.

If everything in an AES is covered electrically in the future and the respective limits are reached more often, connectors are a decidedly critical component. Specifically, there are increased challenges to be met in terms of thermal aspects and energy efficiency. The AES requires a more open mindset when it comes to the types of electricity used. Direct current is playing an increasingly important role here.

HARTING's focus will be on the development side. For example, on reducing contact resistance, while at the same time ensuring secure mating, Research will be conducted in the contact area in particular. This requires new contact technologies, a broad foundation of applications and options for simulation and testing. The GBU Electric will work intensively on these topics.

Complementary to the connector portfolio, HARTING commands in-depth, comprehensive expertise in the field of cabling thanks to HARTING Customised Solutions (HCS). HCS is also well equipped to meet the requirements of the AES and supports the strong focus on holistic connectivity for power.

Consequently, HARTING's expertise in connectivity is not only evident in connectors, but far more, extends across the entire range of cabling applications.

A 360-degree view conceptionally closes the circle of all sectors in terms of key technologies. The HARTING contribution and role in sector coupling is a higher uniformity of connectors.

They will be media-compatible or even plug-compatible and can therefore be used in different application areas.

Power solutions will also be driven forward in the cable sector. The challenge lies in the fact that there are currently no standardized universal connections to power devices in many applications, meaning that it is not possible to offer system cables based on these components. However, HARTING is a “trendsetter” here – and that applies both to the device side and as a provider of the necessary system cabling.

Consequently, HCS is already thinking about system interfaces with cabling customised to the respective applications – which is a competitive advantage and forward-looking. The pre-assemble unit can become a major problem if there is an interface that does not have a suitable cabling solution.

A key advantage of the extensive product portfolio and the all-encompassing approach is HARTING’s ability to parallelise processes that would otherwise proceed iteratively. Accordingly, connectors and cables are conceived and thought through in parallel in relevant projects.

This means that HARTING’s contribution to sector coupling lies in the use of convergent transmission technologies with connectivity that is perfectly adapted to the application.