Rittal showcased its latest solutions for airport applications at the inter airport Europe

Rittal showed what well-engineered, secure solutions for the networked operation of airports look like at the “inter airport Europe” international airport trade fair in Munich. The system provider presented specific applications for airport use: from enclosure technology for 400 Hz power supplies for aircraft and baggage handling systems to IT solutions for flight display panels. Other highlights at the trade show included infrastructure solutions for energy storage, charging stations for e-mobility, energy-efficient cooling units and the brand new AX and KX compact and small enclosures.

Alongside the highest possible security standards, the decisive factors for success in the airport industry include networking and digitisation. These help airport operators in cutting passenger transfer times even further, in managing and monitoring complex traffic flows and in automating infrastructure processes. Furthermore, there is an increasing demand for electric mobility and energy storage, combined with the need for carbon-neutral growth.

“The key preconditions for the trouble-free operation of the technical infrastructure are high availability IT and automation systems. For many years, airport operators around the world have relied on solutions from Rittal to protect them: from housings and enclosures to power distribution and climate control technology to IT infrastructure,” says Werner Wohlfart, Key Account Manager Traffic Technology at Rittal. “We are developing appropriate solutions for the worldwide requirements of the airport industry from our wide range of standard products,” Mr. Wohlfahrt adds.

Enclosure technology from the airport world

For example, the company showed selected airport applications such as an enclosure solution from Piller for 400 Hz frequency converters for aircraft ground power supply based on the new VX25 enclosure system. Configured compact enclosures for Beumer tilt tray sorters and Sick scanner bridges for high-performance sorting in baggage handling systems were also on display. Rittal also presented an integration solution for the sector comprising a VX25 enclosure and an energy-efficient Blue e+ cooling unit for a frequency inverter system from Getriebebau Nord. Finally, trade visitors were able to learn how the IT technology of Inonet digital flight information display systems is being safely installed in Rittal Rack systems.

Infrastructure standards for energy storage systems

Rittal components can also be employed to create infrastructure solutions for the energy storage systems used for carbon dioxide optimisation at airports. The products are standardised, fully mutually compatible, certified, and can be supplied worldwide. They range from individual enclosures to entire containerised solutions. As a result, one-stop mechanical, power-distribution and cooling solutions are available for system integrators and equipment manufacturers. Rittal presented a solution based on the new VX25 enclosure system as an application example for an energy storage enclosure, which impresses through its ease of installation.

In addition, the design also enables the flexible integration of diverse battery shapes into the rack. The batteries are contacted directly via the Rittal busbar system. Furthermore, the roof section provides adequate space for the battery management. These energy storage enclosures can be connected in rows easily and at any time, enabling scalable storage capacity. In order to demonstrate its expertise, Rittal presented energy storage enclosures for battery system manufacturer Commeo.

Secure chargers for e-mobility

Rittal exhibited its expertise as a partner for enclosure solutions in e-mobility infrastructures. An enclosure concept for chargers based on the CS Toptec outdoor enclosure was also shown. Rittal system technology guarantees maximum safety for the electronics and protection against vandalism.

New enclosure technology for Industry 4.0

The introduction of the new AX and KX compact and small enclosure series is one answer to the challenge of Industry 4.0 in panel building and switchgear manufacturing. These enclosures feature digital equipment and integrate perfectly into the digital value chain, providing panel builders and switchgear manufacturers with an even better foundation for the digital transformation. In addition to high quality 3D data and configuration tools, features such as QR codes on all of the processed panels, for example, simplify the integration into the production workflow. This permits modern digital monitoring – from goods inwards to completion.

The compact and small enclosures enable easier and faster assembly while enhancing both flexibility and safety. The installation of doors and locking systems has been simplified and does not usually require tools. The additional space which the AX and KX series offer in comparison to the predecessor series is another advantage. The optimised cut-outs and larger flange plate provide up to a third more space for gland plates.

From engineering through to documentation

Together with its sister company Eplan, Rittal showed how engineering solutions can support value-added processes in plant engineering. Engineering tools such as Eplan Electric P8 offer innovative opportunities in the professional project planning, documentation and administration of electrical engineering automation projects. The automatic generation of detailed evaluations based on circuit diagrams, as an integral component, completes the comprehensive documentation and provides downstream project phases such as production, assembly, commissioning and service with the data they need.

For more information, please visit www.rittal.com.