Drives & Controls Magazine November/December 2024

NEWS n 5 Clickable busbar distribution tech ‘will halve assembly times’ RITTAL HAS UNVEILED A new platform for power distribution systems in enclosures, consisting of boards and components that click together, thus simplifying the previously laborious process of assembling such systems. It claims that the RiLineX system could halve assembly times and cut engineering times by up to 30%, compared to conventional busbar systems. The new system also cuts plastic waste by an average of 1.9kg per board, and will reduce the need to ship heavy copper around the world. Rittal says that any organisation that needs fast, reliable power distribution up to 1kV AC or ±1.5kV DC will beneˆt from the new system. It is aimed at panelbuilders and switchgear manufacturers, as well as IT users. It ends the need for complex system dimensioning, the loss of space when components are installed, and the need to cut protective covers to size. The system’s copper bars are integrated directly into the board, allowing components to be mounted anywhere. This eliminates the convoluted process of arranging supports on a project-by-project basis. The complicated cutting of covers is no longer needed, either, reducing trimming waste and plastic refuse. The busbars are covered end-to-end, protecting them against accidental contact. This contact hazard protection is certiˆed to IP2XB, which means that it will prevent penetration by a solid object with a diameter of 12mm or more. The protection at the front can be upgraded to IP4X, resisting penetration by objects with diameters upwards of 1mm. In either case, it is impossible for ˆngers to touch live parts. The system has been pre-tested for short-circuit resistance up to 52.5kA. Rittal says that the system will reduce the amount of work needed at all stages, from planning and assembly, to maintenance. The click technology ensures simple installation, and means that project-speciˆc modular systems can be implemented at a far lower cost. Depending on the application, there are two ways to use the RiLineX system. In the ˆrst, the platform is available as a complete board including quick-to-install copper bars for Rittal’s AX compact and VX25 bayable enclosures up to 1.2m. It can also be supplied already installed in an enclosure. This approach is ideal for standard applications. It cuts costs and gives users a clearer overview. They can install the system without needing any specialised knowledge. The second option is an open modular version that o–ers conˆguration freedom for customised system designs, with baying connections extending to 2.4m or more. Users simply need to know the length of the mounting plate and can then —exibly combine modules in 200mm increments. The drilling pattern is identical on every mounting plate, and standard busbars are cut to size. The bars are then ˆxed in the board, ensuring short-circuit resistance at all times. This version is also available as a bar-free kit. For export applications, the need to ship heavy metal can be eliminated, o–ering both cost and environmental beneˆts. The boards can simply be used on site with cost-e–ective standard bars made from copper or aluminium. Baying across several enclosures, even retrospectively, is said to be easy. There is a new planning tool to help users. Rittal says that the new system takes power distribution in enclosures into the future. Initially, the system will be available as a three-pole version for currents up to 800A. End-to-end fourpole systems will follow. The platform is equally suitable for use in DC (direct current) applications, which are increasingly common in industrial and renewable energy applications. All of the connection adapters, fuses and disconnectors for the three-pole system will be available by the time of the Hannover Messe in April 2025. Rittal is also working with external partners to create an ecosystem based on the RiLineX technology. It is providing device and component manufacturers with the interface data they need to develop products that are “ready for RiLineX”. www.rittal.com www.drivesncontrols.com November/December 2024 NIDEC DRIVES CLAIMS that it the ˆrst VSD supplier to o–er a ˆveyear warranty as standard across its complete range of drives, including high-performance and high-power models. It is now o–ering a ˆve-year warranty on all Control Techniques global drives, option modules and keypad products. The company ˆrst o–ered a ˆve-year warranty for its Commander C general-purpose drives in 2019, and more recently added its specialised Pump Drive F600 and HVAC Drive H300 ranges, as well as its Commander S100 micro AC drive. “We are proud to be the ˆrst global drive supplier to o–er a ˆveyear warranty as standard,” says Nidec Drives’ global marketing manager, Sue Clark. “This re—ects the conˆdence we have in the quality of our products, built on the back of major investments in our design and manufacturing facilities worldwide. “In today’s competitive landscape,” she adds, “this initiative allows us to o–er our customers a clear di–erentiator – a risk-free investment that lowers their total cost of ownership. Our customers can be assured that their investment is protected, with no extra cost for added peace of mind.” Nidec argues that it is now unnecessary for drives buyers to pay for an extended warranty when it is o–ering ˆve-year coverage as standard, without any need for registration or extra fees. Nidec Drives is ‘first’ to offer 5-year warranty for all products Rittal claims that its new RiLineX power distribution system will halve assembly times, and cut engineering times by up to 30%

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