Siemens – New Siemens EcoTech label creates industry-leading sustainability transparency

EMR Analysis

More information on Siemens: See full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Dr. Roland Busch (President and Chief Executive Officer, Siemens AG): See full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure: https://new.siemens.com/global/en/company/about/businesses/smart-infrastructure.html + Smart Infrastructure is shaping the market for intelligent, adaptive infrastructure for today and the future. It addresses the pressing challenges of urbanization and climate change by connecting energy systems, buildings, and industries. SI provides customers with a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio from a single source – with products, systems, solutions, and services from the point of power generation all the way to consumption. With an increasingly digitalized ecosystem, it helps customers thrive and communities progress while contributing toward protecting the planet. Siemens Smart Infrastructure has its global headquarters in Zug, Switzerland. As of September 30, 2023, the business had around 75,000 employees worldwide

More information on Matthias Rebellius (Member of the Managing Board and Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Smart Infrastructure, Siemens AG): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Judith Wiese (Chief People and Sustainability Officer, Member of the Managing Board and Labor Director, Siemens AG): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on EcoTech by Siemens: https://www.siemens.com/global/en/company/sustainability/siemens-ecotech.html + To help make your buying decision easier, Siemens introduces the new label: Siemens EcoTech. It is an environmental declaration for our products based on product-specific evaluations of sustainability relevant KPIs.

Siemens EcoTech is an environmental product performance label designed to drive the sustainable transformation of industry and infrastructure. The label gives you transparency on the performance of our certified products across environmental relevant criteria, enabling you to make informed choices to support your sustainability goals.

The foundation for our Siemens EcoTech assessment is the Robust Eco Design approach. The framework provides a comprehensive set of criteria across three dimensions covering the entire product lifecycle. Products must meet mandatory requirements and fulfill at least one criterion in each dimension. They must also provide a transparent validation statement in the external accessible Siemens EcoTech Profile. This ensures maximum transparency for you regarding the materials, design, use phase, and end of lifecycle of our products.

More information on SENTRON ECPD  by Siemens: https://www.siemens.com/global/en/products/energy/low-voltage/components/sentron-protection-devices/sentron-ecpd.html + The SENTRON ECPD (electronic circuit protection device) is one of the first of its kind in the world with electronic switching. Its impressive features include ultra-fast switching, flexible parameterization, and a wide range of functions. The smart device simplifies your electrical planning, helps you save resources, and optimally supports power distribution system operation.

Electromechanical switching is a thing of the past! The SENTRON ECPD is the first device to use series connection of state-of-the-art semiconductor technology with electromechanical components in the main current path. Its smart protection algorithm is significantly faster and more precise in both fault detection and tripping. Numerous add-on functions can be activated and adapted as needed, opening up a world of new possibilities.

More information on Andreas Matthé (Chief Executive Officer, Electrical Products, Siemens Smart Infrastructure, Siemens AG): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on SIMATIC by Siemens: https://new.siemens.com/global/en/products/automation/topic-areas/simatic.html

• The Automation brand by Siemens, the core of Totally Integrated Automation.
• SIMATIC (Siemens Automatic) is a series of PLC and automation systems launched in 1958.
• Today, it is one name for multiple solutions: Controllers, IO-Systems, Technology, HMI, Software, IPC, Field PG, SCADA, NET, Apps, PCS7 and Ident.

More information on Siemens Sustainability Report 2022: See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on the Siemens DEGREE Framework for Sustainability: https://new.siemens.com/global/en/company/sustainability/sustainability-figures.html#DEGREE + Siemens commitment to sustainability framework: Decarbonization, Ethics, Governance, Resource efficiency, Equity and Employability. This new framework will apply to all activities across the company’s businesses worldwide. It constitutes a 360-degree approach for all stakeholders – our customers, our suppliers, our investors, our people, the societies we serve, and our planet.

EMR Additional Notes: 

• Product Environmental Profiles (PEPs):
  • Also known as Environmental Product declaration (EPD), is a document communicating the environmental impact and performance of the product based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). A PEP includes: Description of the product studied and technical performance.
• Environmental Product Declarations (EPD):
  • An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a transparent, objective report that communicates what a product is made of and how it impacts the environment across its entire life cycle. A verified EPD can earn your products credits for LEED v4 and other green building rating systems.
  • The International EPD System: https://www.environdec.com/home + The International EPD System is the world’s first and leading global EPD programme operating in accordance with the ISO 14025, TS/14027, 14040, a.o. standards. For the building and construction sector, our manufacturers’ EPDs also comply with the ISO 21930 and EN 15804 standards.

• Circular Economy: 
  • A circular economy is a systemic approach to economic development designed to benefit businesses, society, and the environment. In contrast to the ‘take-make-waste’ linear model, a circular economy is regenerative by design and aims to gradually decouple growth from the consumption of finite resources.
  • In such an economy, all forms of waste, such as clothes, scrap metal and obsolete electronics, are returned to the economy or used more efficiently.
  • The aim of a circular economy is hence to create a closed-loop system where waste and pollution are minimized and resources are conserved, reducing the environmental impact of production and consumption.
• Sustainability Vs. Circular Economy:
  • Circularity focuses on resource cycles, while sustainability is more broadly related to people, the planet and the economy. Circularity and sustainability stand in a long tradition of related visions, models and theories.
  • A sustainable circular economy involves designing and promoting products that last and that can be reused, repaired and remanufactured. This retains the functional value of products, rather than just recovering the energy or materials they contain and continuously making products anew.

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2):
  • Primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities. Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere through burning fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil), solid waste, trees and other biological materials, and also as a result of certain chemical reactions (e.g., manufacture of cement). Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere (or “sequestered”) when it is absorbed by plants as part of the biological carbon cycle.
• Biogenic Carbon Dioxide (CO2):
  • Carbon Dioxide released as a result of the combustion or decomposition of organic material, that is biomass and its derivatives. Examples include carbon dioxide released during the combustion of wood and biogas generated by decomposition.
  • Biogenic Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) are the same. Scientists differentiate between biogenic carbon (that which is absorbed, stored and emitted by organic matter like soil, trees, plants and grasses) and non-biogenic carbon (that found in all other sources, most notably in fossil fuels like oil, coal and gas).
• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):
  • CCS involves the capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes, such as steel and cement production, or from the burning of fossil fuels in power generation. This carbon is then transported from where it was produced, via ship or in a pipeline, and stored deep underground in geological formations.
  • CCS projects typically target 90 percent efficiency, meaning that 90 percent of the carbon dioxide from the power plant will be captured and stored.
• Decarbonization:
  • Reduction of carbon dioxide emissions through the use of low carbon power sources, achieving a lower output of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.
• Carbon Footprint:
  • There is no universally agreed definition of what a carbon footprint is. A carbon footprint is generally understood to be the total amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are directly or indirectly caused by an individual, organization, product, or service. These emissions are typically measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
  • In 2009, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) published a standard for calculating and reporting corporate carbon footprints. This standard is widely accepted by businesses and other organizations around the world. The GHG Protocol defines a carbon footprint as “the total set of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an organization, directly and indirectly, through its own operations and the value chain.”

• Switchgears:
  • Broad term that describes a wide variety of switching devices that all fulfill a common need: controlling, protecting, and isolating power systems. This definition can be extended to include devices to regulate and meter a power system, circuit breakers, and similar technology.
  • Switchgear contains fuses, switches, and other power conductors. However, circuit breakers are the most common component found in switchgear.
  • Performs the function of controlling and metering the flow of electrical power in addiction to acting as interrupting and switching devices that protects the equipment from damage arising out of electrical fluctuations.
  • There are three types of switch gears namely LV (Low voltage), MV (Medium voltage) and HV (High voltage) Switchgear.
• Circuit Breakers:
  • Mechanical electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overcurrent/overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to interrupt current flow after protective relays detect a fault.
  • By definition a circuit breaker is an electrical safety device, a switch that automatically interrupts the current of an overloaded electric circuit, ground faults, or short circuits.
• Fuses:
  • Single time mechanical circuit interruption in an over-current situation through fusion of a graded electrical conductor. Employed in 30KV to 100KV range.
  • Electrical safety device that operates to provide overcurrent protection of an electrical circuit. Its essential component is a metal wire or strip that melts when too much current flows through it, thereby stopping or interrupting the current.
• ACB (Air Circuit Breakers): 
  • Uses air as insulating medium.
  • Air circuit breaker is a circuit breaker for the purpose of protecting low voltage circuit, mainly for energizing and cutting off high current
• VCB (Vacuum Circuit Breakers): 
  • Vacuum is used as the means to protect circuit breakers.
  • Circuit breaker where the arc quenching takes place in a vacuum medium. The operation of switching on and closing of current carrying contacts and interrelated arc interruption takes place in a vacuum chamber in the breaker which is called a vacuum interrupter.
• AIS (Air Insulated Switchgears):
  • Air is used for insulation in a metal-clad system
  • Secondary power distribution device and medium voltage switchgear that helps redistribute the power of a primary power distributor powered by a high voltage distribution transformer. AIS controls, protects and isolates electrical equipment in power transmission and distribution systems.
• GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgears): 
  • All working components assembled under SF6 (Sulfur Hexafluoride HV Switchgears) gas-tight casing.
  • Compact metal encapsulated switchgear consisting of high-voltage components such as circuit-breakers and disconnectors, which can be safely operated in confined spaces.
• OCB (Oil Circuit Breakers): 
  • Vapors a portion of oil to blast a jet of oil through the arc.
  • Circuit breaker which uses insulating oil as an arc quenching medium
• Hybrid Circuit Breakers:
  • Combines Air-insulated and SF6 Gas-insulated technologies.
• MCB (Miniature Circuit Breakers): 
  • Employed in domestic households to safeguard against overload. Rated current max. 100 A.
  • Electrical switch that automatically switches off the electrical circuit during an abnormal condition of the network means an overload condition as well as a faulty condition. Nowadays we use an MCB in a low-voltage electrical network instead of a fuse.
  • Circuit breakers have a tripping relay mechanism, while MCB has a tripping release mechanism. Circuit breakers have a high rupturing capacity, but the MCB has a low rupturing capacity. Circuit breakers are used in High Voltage systems, while MCBs are used in Low Voltage systems.
• RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breakers): 
  • To safeguard against electrical shock arising out of indirect contact and includes the detection of residual current such as earth leakage.
  • Current sensing device, which can automatically measure and disconnect the circuit whenever a fault occurs in the connected circuit or the current exceeds the rated sensitivity.
• MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breakers): 
  • Incorporates insulating material in the form of molded casing within circuit breaker. Rated current up to 2,500 A.
  • MCCB has a higher interrupting capacity, meaning it can handle larger loads than a conventional breaker. Generally, a standard breaker is used for residential and light commercial applications, while an MCCB is suitable for industrial and heavy commercial applications.
• Disconnectors: 
  • Automatic switching device that offers specific isolating distance on the basis of specific requirements.
  • Disconnectors (also known as Isolators) are devices which are generally operated off-load to provide isolation of main plant items for maintenance, or to isolate faulted equipment from other live equipment.
• Contactors: 
  • Works alike high-current switching systems but at higher voltage rates. Contactors can however not be utilized as disconnecting switches. Contactors are employed in 30KV to 100KV range.
  • Special type of relay used for switching an electrical circuit on or off.
  • Electrical device that is widely used for switching circuits on and off. As such, electrical contactors form a subcategory of electromagnetic switches known as relays. A relay is an electrically operated switching device that uses an electromagnetic coil to open and close a set of contacts.
• PTCB eFuse Circuit Breaker:
  • Electronic micro fuse for DIN rail protecting electronically nominal currents below 1A to facilitate the clear detection of faults and supports precise fault localization and fast recovery. Response times are shorter compared to conventional fuse protection and the exact current value can be adjusted at any time
• RCD (Residual Current Devices): 
  • Sensitive safety device that switches off the electricity within 10 to 50 milliseconds if there is an electrical fault. An RCD is is designed to protect against the risks of electrocution and fire caused by earth faults.
  • The difference between a circuit breaker and an RCD switch is the purpose of a circuit breaker is to protect the electrical systems and wiring in a home while the purpose of an RCD switch is to protect people from electrocution.
• RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Over-Current): 
  • RCDs can protect against electric shocks, residual currents, and earth faults. On the other hand, RCBOs can do what RCDs can do and protect a circuit from short circuits and overload. RCBOs are essentially a combination of MCB and RCCB.
  • An RCBO protects electrical equipment from two types of faults; residual current and over current. Residual current, or Earth leakage as it can sometimes be referred to, is when there is a break in the circuit that could be caused by faulty electrical wiring or if the wire is accidentally cut.
• Ring Main Unit (RMU):
  • Medium voltage, gas-insulated, fully sealed cabinet used to measure, connect, and integrate transformer protection functions with a fixed type breaker. Ring Main Units are safe, reliable, low-maintenance, and easy to replace switchgear.
  • A ring main unit (RMU) is a factory assembled, metal enclosed set of switchgear used at the load connection points of a ring-type distribution network.
• Load Center – Panel Board – Switch Board:
  • A load center is used in residential and light commercial applications to distribute electricity supplied by the utility company throughout the home or building to feed all the branch circuits. Each branch circuit is protected by the circuit breaker housed in the load center.  In the event of a short circuit or an overload on a branch circuit, the circuit breaker will cut the power before any potential property damage or personal injury can occur.
  • A load center provides similar functionality in a power distribution system as a switchboard and a panelboard. As far as UL and the NEC standards are concerned, there is no difference between a panelboard and a load center.
  • However, Panelboards are typically deeper than load centers and can accommodate both bolt-on circuit breakers as well as plug-in breakers, whereas a load center is limited to plug-in breakers.
  • Switchboards are often the typical choice for industrial establishments. These panelboards generally house circuit breakers that can manage and supply electricity for machines with high-voltage demands.
  • Panelboards are only accessible from the front (as mentioned above), but switchboards allow rear access as well.

• Solid-State Circuit Breakers:
  • Solid-state device, electronic device in which electricity flows through solid semiconductor crystals (silicon, gallium arsenide, germanium) rather than through vacuum tubes.
  • The solid-state breaker concept replaces the traditional moving parts of an electromechanical circuit breaker with semiconductors and advanced software algorithms that control the power and can interrupt extreme currents faster than ever before.