When deploying an EMS in the German market, Theben offers one of the most comprehensive and flexible hardware suites for the intelligent metering system (iMSys). However, looking at their product range, project developers often ask: "Do I just need the standard CONEXA 3.0 gateway, or do I need the additional Control Box (Steuerbox) and Value-Added Modules?"

At Eniris, we integrate seamlessly with Theben’s architecture to ensure your infrastructure is not only compliant but also capable of the advanced, active optimization required for modern energy concepts like Metering Concept D5 (MK D5).

‍

1. The Foundation: CONEXA 3.0 Smart Meter Gateway (CX)

The central pillar of Theben’s "Smart Metering" solution is the CONEXA 3.0 Smart Meter Gateway. Its primary role is secure, highly regulated data transmission.

• Primary Function: It acts as the secure bridge, collecting basic sub-metering data and transmitting it securely to the Gateway Administrator (GWA) and relevant energy parties.
• For Eniris Clients: If your goal is strictly monitoring, viewing your energy consumption or visualizing multi-tenant data on a basic dashboard, the standalone CONEXA 3.0 gateway handles this via its standard interfaces.
• The Limitation: Like all base SMGWs, it is primarily a "read-only" device designed for data export. It is not inherently designed to execute complex, real-time control commands from an external EMS to your local hardware.

‍

‍

2. Steuerbox CSX

This control box is essential for active grid integration. It allows the Eniris EMS to securely receive and execute power limitation commands (such as dimming PV inverters or pausing heat pumps) to comply with grid stability laws. It is therefore necessary for paragraph 14a!

‍

3. Mehrwert-Modul (CLS)

To unlock the "Smart Grid" and "Smart Mobility" capabilities of the Eniris EMS, the Theben ecosystem relies on its advanced control modules. These act as the Controllable Local System (CLS) managers.

The CONEXA 3.0 (CX) features an expansion slot at the bottom. The Mehrwert-module (Value-Added Module) is a physical hardware module that you slide into this slot on the CX.

This module upgrades the base gateway to support bidirectional communication for Smart Services. It creates the secure channel (=CLS channel). Consider, for example, a situation where an aggregator wishes to control the battery; in such cases, they must use a secure channel.

‍

Which Modules Does Your Project Need?

To help you decide, we have mapped the requirements of a typical high-level Eniris project against the Theben hardware capabilities:

‍

The Eniris Recommendation

If you are implementing a professional, future-proof energy strategy, such as optimizing self-consumption in an apartment complex, managing battery storage, or installing EV chargers, the standard CONEXA 3.0 gateway alone is not enough.

You will need the Steuerbox CSX and/or the Mehrwert-Modul to establish the necessary CLS communication channels. Without these modules, the Eniris EMS cannot actively steer your assets to avoid negative market prices or comply with the mandatory §14a EnWG dimming regulations for controllable consumption devices.

‍

‍

‍