In a pioneering and collaborative project, the companies Commeo and HARTING have developed a highly innovative interface for battery systems. This interface enables extremely efficient connection of battery storage systems to each other and to downstream devices. The challenge was to seamlessly merge the proven modules of the renowned Han-Modular® series with the Han® Docking Frame to form a single unit. This novel interface supplies not only the battery storage units but also the control system with electrical power and important data. Its compact design allows quick integration into the battery storage blocks, with the connector module housing cleverly placed inside the cube, while the mating face protrudes from the back.
A fundamental aspect of this technological masterpiece lies in its ability to transmit both data and power. The system developed by Commeo consists of battery blocks that have an impressive side length of over 20 cm and house several layers of lithium-ion cells. These blocks are accessible via a sophisticated bus system and are combined to form powerful industrial battery storage systems. Each individual block has its own battery management system. The battery storage cabinets are configured from 1.5 or 1.1 kWh units that can cover voltage ranges from 48 to 1000 V. The modular structure of the system opens up the possibility of adapting the storage capacity to the system performance with extreme precision, allowing both easy expansion and replacement of components. This opens the option to scale the system from small units of a few kilowatt-hours to impressive megawatt-hour configurations. An extraordinary flexibility that allows later adjustments and optimizations without any difficulties.
Commeo’s battery systems already fulfill a crucial role in securing the uninterruptible power supply of industrial parks. In addition, they serve as effective protective shields for electrical installations threatened by grid fluctuations. These systems play an indispensable role in balancing power fluctuations in renewable energy plants and act as buffers: in times of high voltage loads, they absorb excess energy and balance out load peaks. When the voltage drops, they can feed the stored energy back into the grid and thus contribute to stabilization.
Commeo’s developments are aimed in particular at the mechanical and plant engineering sector. Michael Schnakenberg, the company’s managing director, puts it succinctly: “Our goal is to become the leading provider of high-performance storage solutions for the world of automation, process industry and manufacturing operations.” In this context, the choice of the appropriate interface was crucial. Here, HARTING was the obvious choice. The unmistakable presence of HARTING connectors in the industrial environment is undeniable. As soon as customers look at these familiar interfaces, it becomes immediately clear that Commeo’s batteries are seamlessly compatible.
The joint project between Commeo and HARTING impressively illustrates the synergy that can be created when innovative companies work together. The development of this pioneering interface for battery systems will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the industrial landscape and lay the foundation for future technology developments.