Fresh wind through innovative solutions

Detmold, 12 February 2015. The proportion of electricity generated from renewable energy reached a new peak in 2014, when it stood at 25.8 percent. Favourable weather conditions in December 2014 also helped to set a new record for the production of wind energy, which now covers around 8.9 percent of gross electricity consumption. According to a study by the German Federal Environmental Agency, its full potential is far from being exhausted, particularly in the area of onshore wind power. The offshore use of wind power will also continue to grow around the world over the coming years.

Great emphasis on the usability of our products

The success of wind power, however, means that researchers, investors and operators are faced with major challenges. Since industrial production moved into the wind sector, players have become dependent on more innovative solutions. The technical requirements for

The requirements and demand for reliable and flexible components will also continue to rise internationally, particularly with regard to the development of offshore wind farms.

components in particular are constantly rising as wind power expands internationally, sometimes into very diverse climate zones. Wind turbines must be able to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions, and this applies to both the materials and the electronics that are used. A major contribution is being made in this area by the electrical engineering specialist Weidmüller, which has a wide range of solutions for wind turbines in its product portfolio. “In our development work we place great emphasis on the usability of our products, because the components must be ready for operation at all times and in all corners of the globe. This is why we have developed a range of Plug & Play solutions, as they do not require complex assembly or installation”, explains Hans Schlingmann, Business Development Manager Wind.

Quality assurance has top priority

The requirements and demand for reliable and flexible components will also continue to rise internationally, particularly with regard to the development of offshore wind farms. The potential of offshore wind generation was demonstrated recently when in Germany more than one gigawatt of electricity was generated by wind energy for the first time. The components must therefore be able to compensate for large fluctuations in both humidity and temperature. At the same time, quality assurance has top priority at Weidmüller. “Our customers have extremely high demands when it comes to the quality and durability of products. We guarantee this by conducting a wide range of stress tests,” says Schlingmann. In addition to Plug & Play LED lighting, the electrical engineering specialist Weidmüller also equips wind turbines with cabling components and power outlets that guarantee an uninterrupted power supply.

Communication-capable components are at the heart of future plannings

The vision of meeting the future energy supply needs through renewable energies, which can be pooled and managed in virtual power plants, still requires a great deal of planning. Communication-capable components are at the heart of this planning. Whether in the provision of equipment for wind turbines or components for international photovoltaic projects, Weidmüller is making a variety of contributions towards the “energy turnaround” and thus towards a sustainable energy supply. “Sustainability has been an important part of our company philosophy for more than 40 years, and is practically in our DNA. For us, sustainability isn’t just a catchword, but part of our corporate practice,“ says Dr. Peter Köhler, Chief Executive Officer of the Weidmüller Group.

The latest developments from Weidmüller can be seen at this year’s Hannover Messe trade fair.