Flex-Box // 50kW to 30MW

// Description

With the Flex module it is possible to monitor and control any type of installation. This function is ensured by contact-based signals, which means that neither a specific protocol nor a higher-level control system is necessary. The module is primarily developed for the exploitation of flexibility with existing plants such as combined heat and power plants, emergency power generators, heating rods, etc. By using fixed templates/configurations in the hardware, there is an additional advantage of low project planning costs and the possibility of rapid implementation, because no major adjustments have to be made to the system control itself.

Transmission takes place in connection with the gateway module via a secure telecontrol connection according to the TSO zone model.

In addition, the uniform data points can be used for further applications on the Marketplace.

// Advantages

• low installation effort
• integration can be carried out by any installer
• independent of the flexibility provider
• retrofit
• any type of marketing can be realised
• Expandable functions

// Installation requirements

• Access to an outside wall for mounting the omnidirectional antenna
• Maximum distance between gateway and Flexbox 100m (Ethernet)

// Technical information

Compact plastic housing with Siemens telecontrol technology. Pre-equipped with 16 digital inputs, 8 galvanically isolated digital outputs, 4 analogue inputs and 4 analogue outputs. In combination with the gateway module, the functions of the Flex module are available to a customer at any point of the BentoNet. However, the module’s data points can also be transferred directly at an IEC 104 interface at the process level, to another control system or a telecontrol station. In addition, the requirements for the provision of balancing energy are fulfilled.

// Technical data

• Connected load: <30W
• Supply voltage: 230V ~
• Protection class: IP68
• Operating temperature: -10 to +55 degrees Celsius
• Dimensions (WxLxH): 320 x 440 x 179 mm

// Installation requirement:

• Access to an outside wall for mounting the omnidirectional antenna.
• Maximum distance between gateway and flex module 100m(Ethernet)

// Interface description

For the control of the generation or consumption unit in the BentoNet Virtual Power Plant (VK), at least the following signals (see table “Interface” below)are necessary to realise power marketing.

In order to create an interface to the VK that is as simple as possible and easy to implement on both existing and new plants, this interface was realised via analogue I/O and digital I/O.

The connection to a bus system remains unaffected by this and is described separately.