'Smart Energy Solutions' main themes for electronica 2012

Above all, the future of power grids is expected to be the center of attention. Against the backdrop of the global transition to alternative energy sources and the expansion of power grids, electronica 2012 will present technical solutions for the intelligent supply of power in the future. Leading international executives will also discuss this topic at the CEO Roundtable, the motto of which is Semiconductor Solutions for Smart Grid Challenges.

Around the world, renewable energies play an increasingly important role in the supply of energy. Given the increased integration of solar and wind energy, energy production is becoming increasingly decentralized and subject to greater fluctuations. To deal with the resulting challenges, grids must not only be expanded, they must also be controlled and monitored more intelligently. electronica 2012 will present technical solutions that will secure the supply of energy in the future. Exhibitors will present components, systems and applications, from sensor technology, the latest network control technical, data-infrastructure solutions and battery-storage systems to intelligent devices for measuring consumption on the part of end consumers (smart meters).

System solutions for the intelligent supply of energy in the future
For example, visitors can see the industry’s latest developments at the stand of Texas Instruments Deutschland, whose exhibit at the 2012 fair revolves around the main theme of “Energy”. Texas Instruments will showcase its metering solutions, network infrastructures and intelligent building technology as well as electronic components. It will present system solutions, from software, hardware and the necessary development tools to system consulting for all products and services.

STMicroelectronics will address the challenges of intelligent metering with its large portfolio of smart-meter chips. Its solutions support all phases of operation, from recording and consumption analysis to determining peak loads, diagnosing faults, and comparing consumption with variable electricity rates. Besides having the latest solutions in the Powerline Communications sector, STMicroelectronics is also opening up new application possibilities in data transfer such as the monitoring and control of photovoltaic modules.

Innovative electrical storage units for households and the industry
The power grids of the future need effective power-storage systems to compensate for fluctuations in the energy supply. Among other things, Saft S.A. in Bagnolet, France, will present its Synerion® Li-Ion modules, which have a capacity of 2 kWh. The modules are suitable for use in private residences to store some of the energy generated by one’s own solar power system. However, there are also advanced solutions for large-scale systems in the megawatt range such as the Saft Intensium® Max, which can be used for grid support when expanding medium and low-voltage networks.

CEO Roundtable at electronica 2012
The CEO Roundtable at this year’s electronica will feature a prominent panel of speakers and will deal with the various aspects of grid expansion and the contributions of the global electronics industry. The motto of the roundtable is Semiconductor Solutions for Smart Grid Challenges, and leading international executives will meet at the electronica Forum on Tuesday, November 13 (from 11 a.m. – noon).

Future market for smart energy solutions
The latest market data also illustrates the extent to which innovations related to smart energy solutions drive the market now and in the future. According to a forecast by the Central Association of the German Electrical and Electronics Industry (ZVEI), volume on the market for electronic components will increase by 5.7 percent to nearly 503 billion US dollars in 2012. Based on the ZVEI forecast, the most important forces that drive growth are the sectors for environmental protection and energy and resource efficiency. According to the industry association, due to increasing energy costs and guidelines to further reduce CO2 emissions, these sectors will also ensure continued growth in the years to come.