Hydrogen refueling stations with Sonepar

Thanks to the collaboration between Sonepar and Weidmüller, another H2 refueling station is ready for operation

The push for renewable energy is accelerating, bringing new technologies like hydrogen to the forefront. Establishing hydrogen infrastructure involves both expanding existing systems and creating entirely new ones. Installing these systems requires adherence to numerous technical specifications.

The challenge

Hydrogen refueling stations have unique requirements compared to conventional petrol stations. In Central Europe's average temperatures, hydrogen is typically refueled in a gaseous state. Tanks must be cooled to minus 253 degrees Celsius for liquid hydrogen refueling, necessitating components adapted to these extreme conditions.

For this reason, a French provider contacted Sonepar France, to whom they presented their requirements: As a hydrogen refueling station is an Ex-area, the provider wants to use EtherCAT to communicate the H2 refueling station. The real-time capability of the field bus is important for safety at the H2 Dispenser. In addition, the products need to work efficiently while maintaining high performance.

Thanks to Weidmüller's broad portfolio, Sonepar was able to offer the customer a solution from a single source. This increases efficiency for the end user. Weidmüller components can co-operate with third-party systems such as EtherCAT, ProfiNET, ModBUS TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP… At the same time, they work perfectly together, which minimizes the installation effort for the customer.

Laurent Dussouchet, Head of Global Distribution Account Management

The solution

Sonepar’s and Weidmüller's experts worked together on the planning and installation. The two companies have been partners for many years and complement each other perfectly. Sonepar's extensive sales network and its competence in the field of logistics are rounded off by Weidmüller's technical expertise. Together, we were able to create the best solution for the customer's requirements.

The hydrogen tanks are equipped with sensors to detect leaks and potential hazards at an early stage. These collect data and forward it to the control system in real-time. For the control system to be able to analyze this data, an I/O system must first perform translation work.

Sonepar offered the refueling station provider the u-remote, I/O system from Weidmüller. With eleven protocols, u-remote covers a broad spectrum of requirements At the same time, the portfolio consists of various modules that are equipped for a wide range of tasks. The integrated web server also makes it easier to set up the I/O system. The u-remote system also has Zone 2 Ex-approval and can be integrated by Weidmüller in Ex-environment solutions.

In addition, the power supplies PROtop and PROeco from Weidmüller as well as the load management modules maxGUARD and EX junction boxes ensure safety at the hydrogen refueling station.

The result

The provider of hydrogen refueling stations benefits from the streamlined cooperation between Sonepar and Weidmüller. The best-in-class service to which Sonepar is committed is complemented by customized solutions from Weidmüller.

This way, the two companies ensure that their customers can benefit from the latest technical innovations.