R&M Expands Its Range of Network Infrastructure for Renewable Energy

(CONNECT) Reichle & De-Massari AG is expanding its range of grid infrastructure solutions for wind and solar farms. “The exchange of information between power plant operators, electricity exchanges, and energy suppliers is on the rise,” writes the globally active specialist in data and communications networks, based in the Zurich Oberland, in a related press release. "Energy production and consumption therefore require a fail-safe flow of data in both directions." R&M's new products are designed to meet the requirements for outdoor network connections as well as those for local data networks in operations centers.

For R&M, the robustness of the networks plays a major role in this regard. "Wind and solar farms would have to be accessible nonstop for decades, regardless of weather conditions, because the stakeholders rely on real-time data," the company writes. In wind farms, for example, cabling is exposed to vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and—in the case of offshore wind farms—salty air. The R&M components in the outdoor connectivity portfolio are therefore designed for use in harsh conditions. The company highlights the Harsh Environment Connector (HEC) for optical data links as a key component. This is where the Telecordia standard—which goes beyond the IEC standard and defines disturbance parameters such as vibration, temperature changes, and mechanical robustness more strictly—is applied.

In addition, the company has ensured that its cabling systems support any network architecture and communication requirements. R&M offers its clients support for projects from the planning stage through to the commissioning of the data network. ce/hs