offered to smaller companies and private households. A gradual roll-out in combination with SMGW has been planned for the future. From 2017, it will be available to customers with a consumption of more than 10,000kWh/year and by 2020 for customers who consume more than 6,000kWh. An internet connection is made available via the SMGW. For a photovoltaic system to be used


sensibly, particularly if used as part of a virtual power plant, an efficient energy storage solution is necessary. Today, these are based on lithium-ion batteries. The increase in mass production has led to a decline in price and subsequently improved profitability of these solutions. The storage reservoir also needs to communicate important status data regarding its capacity and current fill level via the SMGW. Correspondingly, what is necessary here, is to find solutions that can reliably determine the charge level and subsequently transfer this information to the control room.


IT security in the smart grid: communication between power stations The transparent, seamless, and bi- directional transfer of energy-relevant information in real time is the basis of smart grids. More important still is the security of the system, which is decisive for the success of future smart grid applications. Previously, power stations and operating control points have communicated via a stand-alone – usually wired – infrastructure. As decentralisation has progressed, this approach is no longer used. In order that these networks are protected from cyber threats when


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connected to the internet, gateways with very high security standards are needed, which prioritise the confidentiality and integrity of the data being transferred. For smart meter gateways in Germany, these security requirements are defined in the BSI TR-03109 technical guidelines. The security level of this standard is comparable to that of a credit card. Without question, cyber security is the dominant theme for many companies in the energy sector. In addition to interoperability and standardisation, it is one of the fundamental market drivers for smart grids. The emphasis placed on this at EBV in terms of the portfolio and customer advice is therefore correspondingly high. In a different way to applications in the healthcare sector, no personal data is transferred in the smart grid. Nevertheless, users must be protected against the misuse of technologies, such as illegal monitoring. Currently, more than 100 norms and standards of the IEEE-SA already describe and define intelligent electricity networks. In order to improve data protection and data security, however, further definitions and standardisation are still required. EBV supports its customers in this dynamic area, providing them with help, advice and finding solutions.


The role of EBV: intelligence for the smart energy grid Smart grid applications are complex and increasingly software-driven. They bring together features from completely different areas. For manufacturers, this means it is highly likely that the development of a product requires expertise from outside their own core competences, for example knowledge of


connectivity or information security. Instead of laboriously acquiring expert knowledge in wireless technology, embedded security, or other areas, the recommended way forward is collaboration with specialised partners, especially if they can come on board at an early stage of the development. With its extensive network of partners, EBV can build bridges and help its customers to find quick and appropriate resources and specific application knowledge. A further challenge is the enormous variety of electrical components available. Finding the optimum components for an application is like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack. It also costs valuable time. EBV has long- standing expertise in all fields of electronics and has an overview of the entire eco-system, including design, software and manufacturing. By focusing on important, reliable suppliers, including some of the largest semiconductor manufacturers, the specialist distributor can work with its customers to quickly and precisely identify and select sensors, microcontrollers, power management and wireless modules that optimally suit the planned smart grid application. EBV customers therefore have access to the latest technology. Thanks to perfectly tuned logistics, EBV can also ensure a smooth process flow, from planning to production.


EBV attaches a great deal of importance to a lively exchange of knowledge between its market and technology segments. The goal is always to look at all sides of a possible application. This is because only by understanding the big picture and recognising trends at an early stage, can EBV properly advise its customers. Using


interdisciplinary thinking, the intelligent linking of relevant thematic areas, and by combining competencies, EBV helps its customers to identify and use new potential to profitably develop their lines of business.


The use of digital technologies allows energy to be generated, distributed and used in a sustainable manner. The smart grid can help this by conserving existing resources and satisfying current needs without compromising the well-being of future generations. As increasing numbers of companies develop innovative solutions, there is no doubt that the smart grid is a promising market. For this, companies need a partner who can not only produce fast and reliable large quantities of electronic components, but also support them from the initial phase of the project. This partner is EBV Elektronik. Over the decades, EBV has developed expertise in specialist areas that are now being combined into smart technologies, the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0. This means that EBV can precisely understand the needs of its customers, providing them with services that go far beyond the mere distribution of electronics components. The company offers knowledgeable and solution-oriented technical support, which reduces the development time and helps avoid mistakes being made.


In addition, EBV acts as a catalyst between customers, solution providers, and market and technology experts. Customers benefit from the combined knowledge and can quickly develop and market successful products and applications for a promising growth market.


www.ebv.com Components in Electronics November 2017 9


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