Weidmüller is setting a forward-thinking standard with its new DC Innovation Hub in Detmold, designed to bridge technological innovation and hands-on training. The DC Innovation Hub is aimed equally at customers, users, and partners, providing a space where they can explore and test direct current technologies through pilot projects. This hub impresses with its holistic approach: Weidmüller integrates applications, products, innovations, and training solutions, creating a seamless transition from technology to practical use in everyday working life.
As a pioneer in direct current (DC) technology, Weidmüller has made this project a priority. Over the coming years, the DC Microgrid at the Detmold site will be gradually expanded to fully leverage the benefits of DC technology: higher energy efficiency due to reduced conversion losses, lower peak loads, the efficient integration of renewable energies such as photovoltaics, and ultimately, improved grid stability.
We want to bring the knowledge we accumulate here through training, maintenance, and development directly to our customers as solutions.
With the DC Innovation Hub, Weidmüller aims to create a central platform where all stakeholders in the field of DC networks can come together—encompassing training, development, and practical application for customers. The focus is on planning, designing, and implementing the entire DC network. In this way, Weidmüller aims to provide users and customers well-grounded guidance on DC applications.
Beyond the technological advantages of a DC Microgrid, such as increased energy efficiency and network quality, the primary goal has been to create a space that fosters the exchange of ideas, collaborative development of new technologies, and practical implementation of solutions. By integrating both existing and future Weidmüller technologies, synergies are created, and innovation processes are accelerated, benefiting employees and customers alike. Weidmüller sees itself as a technological driver in the field of DC Microgrids and aims to establish these as the primary energy grids of the future. The company places particular emphasis on a holistic approach that puts applications, products, and innovations directly into practice.
The scope of Weidmüller’s DC Microgrid at the Detmold site is impressive: “We are capable of supplying a DC grid with 150 kW here,” explains Grünberg, adding, “We identified the peak load of the machines on site by putting all our equipment into operation. We identified the peak load of the machines on site by putting all our equipment into operation. This resulted in a demand of 130 kW—equivalent to that of a well-utilised medium-sized company." Over the next three years, the DC Microgrid will be expanded incrementally, with continuous focus on infrastructure and the integration of energy consumers as well as sources such as photovoltaic systems and energy storage.
By integrating DC technologies, we not only create modern learning environments but also empower our trainees and employees to actively shape the future of energy supply. Our goal is to tightly intertwine innovation and practice, thereby making a crucial contribution to the industry of tomorrow
The foundation of DC technology is the so-called System Description, developed in close collaboration with industry partners and application-based research. This description serves as a specific guideline for the operation of DC Microgrids and is intended to become a standard in the future. Given the unique aspects of DC technology, particularly concerning personnel and equipment safety, security plays a central role in planning and implementation.
The design of the DC Microgrid at the Weidmüller Academy began with a comprehensive energy analysis of the existing AC infrastructure, based on current operations and potential scenarios. Based on these insights, Weidmüller’s DC experts conducted a machine analysis and developed a conversion plan to ensure that the Academy’s current machinery is suitable for the transition to DC. In close coordination with the local energy supplier, a specification was created and tenders prepared. Simultaneously, the sector planning was developed, and the cabinet builder and installation partner was deeply involved through technical onboarding.
The new infrastructure was installed in close coordination, with technical onboarding provided by the cabinet builder and the installation partner. Weidmüller partnered with AGW Elektrotechnik from Georgsmarienhütte as a reliable integration partner to ensure smooth execution. The focus of the work was on installing the boxes and infrastructure in the field and translating sector planning into practical infrastructure. Both the line distribution and the junction boxes were successfully implemented.
A central element was the direct integration of high-powered devices such as photovoltaic systems, storage systems, and electric vehicles into the DC bus. For this integration, two special cabinets were installed: one for AC input and AC/DC rectification. This cabinet filters and rectifies the incoming alternating current from the energy supplier to provide clean direct current and handle application currents (common mode). The second cabinet is responsible for power distribution within the system.
Weidmüller was able to rely on its comprehensive portfolio of standard components and specific DC solutions that are “DC ready” and meet VDE standards and the quasi-standard of the DC System Description. These components were carefully selected and tested to meet the safety and reliability requirements of DC Microgrids.
Protection, distribution, and power supply, together with precharging, measurement technology, and precise power flow control, were essential steps to ensure smooth operation. Following a successful electrical inspection and approval, the new infrastructure was commissioned at the Weidmüller Academy on schedule.
The first phase of the DC Microgrid, now implemented as a fully operational direct current grid, is in place at the Weidmüller Academy. Nine DC sectors, each with a capacity of 13 kW, now power the machines in the training workshop facility. In the coming years, the entire workshop will be converted to DC technology to integrate all relevant machines into the grid. These developments feed directly into the training and educational programmes of the Detmold-based family business.
However, the DC Innovation Hub represents more than just technological progress; it also provides customers and users with the opportunity to experience the potential uses and applications of DC technology—including pilot projects and testing for their own applications. With this future-focused initiative, Weidmüller strengthens its role as a pioneer in energy supply, actively involves customers and partners, and bolsters the skills of its employees to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.