|
Click on the cover to read the latest issue of PSB
Affiliate Links
|
Decentralised power distribution with PowerBox21 February 2008FieldPower is a new connection concept for decentralised power distribution in mechanical and systems engineering, airports, automotive industry - meaning, where there is a need to distribute power across extended distances. The product family comprises PowerBox distributor boxes rated to IP65, maintenance switches, plug-in connectors - optionally available with fuse function - cables, prefabricated cables harnesses, tools and an extensive range of accessories.
The power is distributed via a continuous, uncut round or flat cable. Utilising the PowerBox and IDC (Insulation Displacement Connection) contact technology, pick off is made at any point close to the consumer load. ‘Pluggable’ or ‘fixed’ junctions and outgoing feeders to starters and frequency converters are optionally possible. That reduces both the lengths of the cables to be routed and installation times. FieldPower reduces the total costs of the project and increases flexibility when extending plant or rethinking plans at a later date. The FieldPower concept is designed to be multifunctional. Users are able to integrate their individual developments. As well as numerous industrial users, a partner in the form of MSF - Vathauer Antriebstechnik has been gained for drive solutions. The drives technology specialist has developed a new IP65-rated family of products on the basis of FieldPower.
Decentralised automation concepts are increasingly becoming established in production and materials handling plant of all kinds. This plant needs to be planned and brought to fruition as efficiently and flexibly as possible - a point that quite naturally also applies to decentralised power distribution. This is where the economic and flexible FieldPower concept comes into its own, and in the process is more than pushing back the boundaries of Weidmuller’s core competence of out-and-out dedication to connection technology. And that is exactly what the engineers thought at the drives specialists MSF - Vathauer Antriebstechnik, who then decided to enter a technology-based cooperation. The benefits for both companies: Each company contributes its own specific core competence. Their respective energies are combined - to the benefit of the customer. For their latest product developments, ‘Vathauer engineers’ utilise the PowerBox XL housing. They integrate 3-phase frequency converters with performance ratings up to 1.5 kW. In addition to the 400-Volt cable, a bus cable can optionally be included. Furthermore, with four sensors the new family of frequency converters is technically well equipped.
FieldPower - the ‘flexible busbar’
The FieldPower product concept is based on the PowerBox , which is used to contact 5-pole power cables ranging from 2.5 to 6 mm². The PowerBox integrates the following functions in a single module: power supply, extension, outgoing motor feeder and distribution. The PowerBox is mounted at any point within the plant with the continuous, uncut cable placed inside. Thanks to colour coding this is done quickly and without errors. Round and/or flat cables can be utilised. Indeed, both types of cables can be used at the same time in a single PowerBox - a fact that adds flexibility to plant planning. The next step: Using the sheath stripping tool AM 16 (for round cables) or AMF 6/10 (for flat cables), partially strip the cable and place the individual cores into the base module of the connection block. Snap shut the contact unit. Using a screwdriver, the contact element is simply closed downwards in a 90° movement. Finished! This creates a safe and reliable contact for distributing 400 Volts of power. The connection is made utilising IDC connection technology (Insulation Displacement Connection).
Junctions and outgoing circuits to consumer loads such as starters or frequency converters can be implemented as ‘fixed’ or ‘pluggable’ variants with a current carrying capacity of up to 41 A. All that is required is to directly insert the insulation-stripped cores of the corresponding cable into the Push In connection of the contact block or plug-in connector. The plug-in connectors (32 A/ 4mm²) have been equipped with rapid and reliable Push In connectivity, the direct insertion technology for conductor termination. The connector is simply plugged onto the contact block. Twin connectors are also available to implement two single-feeder spur lines. One or two starters/frequency converters or other loads can be connected to the contact block. The PowerBox Fuse for ¼“ x 1¼“ fuses (cartridge fuse links) are utilised to protect loads, outgoing feeders and junctions - and reductions to cable cross-sections in particular. Visual control of the fuses is provided by a red LED that indicates failure. Conductor cross-sections ranging between 0.5 and 4 mm² can be connected to the fuse connector.
The FieldPower concept is designed for flexibility. The user has the freedom to chose between prefabricated cables or manual installation on the spot. The seals of the PowerBox housing can accept 7-17 mm diameter round cables and flat cables from 8 x 27 mm. FieldPower enables mounting to be carried out without cable ducts and requires no special tools for on-site installation work.
Weidmuller will rigorously expand the FieldPower product family. A housing with integrated maintenance switch is presently being developed. It will be possible to reliably shut down motor feeders or complete sub-circuits for drives and secure these against unintentional restarting in accordance with the relevant standards and regulations. Contact Details and Archive...Most Viewed Articles... |
|