Scalable automation for decarbonized power grids

Beckhoff presented scalable automation solutions for a secure and decarbonized energy supply at E-world energy & water 2026 in Essen (Feb 10–12). The focus was on IEC-compliant technologies for grid synchronization, integrated measurement technology, and certified control solutions for generation assets in heterogeneous power networks.

Technological context and relevance
The ongoing decarbonization of energy systems and the increasing share of volatile renewable sources have raised the requirements for grid stability, transparency, and controllability. Grid operators have had to capture, analyze, and control energy flows in real time to maintain security of supply and power quality. Beckhoff addressed these requirements with a modular automation portfolio based on PC-based Control.

As a long-standing partner of the wind energy industry—with more than 130,000 automated wind turbines worldwide—Beckhoff transferred proven automation concepts across the entire value chain of energy generation, distribution, and storage. The open control architecture and the high-speed EtherCAT fieldbus provided the foundation for smart grid applications with deterministic real-time capability.

Integrated measurement technology for energy monitoring
A key element of Beckhoff’s presence at the trade fair was end-to-end energy monitoring solutions. The direct integration of measurement technology into the EtherCAT terminal system enabled the implementation of ISO 50001–compliant energy management systems without the need for external measurement devices.

The EL3475 EtherCAT terminal, featuring pluggable current transformer connections, simplified installation and commissioning. High-resolution real-time acquisition of parameters such as voltage, current, active power, and reactive power supported both load peak detection and condition-based maintenance strategies.

Microsecond-accurate grid diagnostics
For advanced monitoring of transmission and distribution networks, Beckhoff presented an open system solution for implementing a Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU). The combination of TwinCAT 3 Power Technologies (TF8350), the EL3783 EtherCAT terminal for grid monitoring, and the EL6689 terminal for Distributed Clocks synchronization enabled time-synchronous phase measurements in accordance with IEC 60255-118-1.

The system performed three-phase, galvanically isolated current and voltage acquisition at 20 kSps. This allowed fault localization and propagation analysis in the microsecond range, as well as the calculation of harmonics and distortions in a 1 ms cycle. Grid operators gained a precise tool for assessing power quality and responding quickly to frequency deviations.




Certified control and data integration
For standards-compliant grid integration of power generation assets, Beckhoff offered certified software modules with TwinCAT 3 Power Control (TF8360). The solution covered requirements for active and reactive power control as well as fault ride-through capabilities for low-, medium-, and high-voltage grids. Combined with CX-series embedded PCs, the approach reduced engineering effort for system integrators.

Energy data acquisition and forwarding were handled by TwinCAT 3 Power Collector (TF8330). In addition to established telecontrol protocols such as IEC 61850 and IEC 60870, modern IoT interfaces including MQTT and OPC UA were supported for integration into SCADA systems or cloud-based platforms.

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