FEATURE DRIVES, CONTROLS & MOTORS
Configuration software supports protection for IE3 motor applications
Power management company, Eaton has integrated the amended characteristics of ‘IE3 ready’ motor protection devices into its free CurveSelect software
T
his enhanced functionality is said to make it even easier to compare the
tripping characteristics of protection devices. Thus, the design of switchgear and distribution systems can easily be optimised to deliver maximum availability and reliability while adhering to the new European energy efficiency regulation. CurveSelect can be used to assess not only interaction between a wide range of Eaton products, but also between Eaton products and those of other manufacturers. For effective and economical protection of power systems, the tripping curves of the protection devices must be accurately matched to the specifications of the equipment used. However, in practical applications, it is almost always necessary to use several protection devices that work in conjunction with each other. To determine the exact tripping response of the devices used in such applications, the actual settings of each device must be taken into account. This is a difficult and time-consuming process when working simply with printed tripping characteristics. CurveSelect makes this task faster,
easier and more certain. An Excel-based software tool, CurveSelect allows the precise tripping curves for all devices to be generated and documented. It also supports simultaneous display of curves for multiple devices using the same time and current scales. Eaton has recently carried out
exhaustive tests to confirm the suitability of products in its popular motor control range for use with the latest IE3 high- efficiency motors. Today, all PKZ and PKE motor-protection circuit breakers have been shown to be suitable for efficient
22 OCTOBER 2015 | AUTOMATION
CurveSelect currently supports 11 languages, and users can gain free access to the programme online
and dependable control of IE3 motors and have, therefore, been designated ‘IE3 ready’. CurveSelect does now reflect the amended characteristics of these devices. Additional Eaton devices with characteristics pre-loaded in CurveSelect include NZM, IZM and BZM circuit breakers; ZB and ZEB thermal overload relays; FAZ miniature circuit breakers with B, C, D, K, S and Z tripping characteristics; and type gL and gG fuses. It is possible to enter additional tripping characteristics so that medium-voltage circuit breakers and non-Eaton devices can be analysed. The ability to define custom curves
means that specific scenarios can also be examined. Using the motor starting curves, for example, it is possible to check whether a given protective device will allow trip-free starting of a particular motor. Users of CurveSelect
can also determine whether incoming circuit breakers comply with prescribed medium voltage protection requirements and whether existing devices can provide sufficient protection for planned extensions. CurveSelect currently supports 11
languages, and users can gain free access to the programme by simply completing a short registration process at
www.eaton.eu/selectiontools. Registered users benefit from free email notification of updates. A comprehensive white paper providing detailed information on the assessment of tripping characteristics and the use of CurveSelect is also available as a free download.
Eaton T: 0161 655 8900
www.eaton.com
MOUNTING FEATURES EXTEND DRIVE OPTIONS
Variable-speed drives can now be used in many more applications, following the introduction of features that make mounting and installation more convenient and cost-effective. A separately mountable cable box comes complete with its own
fixings, allowing it to be mounted before installing the drive. This allows the cables to be glanded and made off without the drive obstructing the operation. The cable box can also be left in place when the drive is removed for repair or service, keeping the cables held neatly in the wall. This prevents damage to the cables, avoids a possible trip hazard and allows the drive to be replaced more quickly. Simple plates make it a straightforward task to attach UK steel wire
armoured cable glands to the drive. Wall mounted drives are now available up to 250kW, giving access to a wide range of powers in a compact drive. This means there is no need to move up to a cabinet mounting to use these higher powers, making the installation more cost-effective and occupying less space in the control room. IP55 variants are now available in the same size as IP21 drives.
This gives the ability to mount large IP55 rated drives anywhere in the plant, so making energy saving retrofit solutions more viable for more applications, particularly those that demand a high level of protection for the drive. Larger power modules with ratings up to 560kW can now be cabinet mounted. New cable management panels make cabinet installation even easier and more cost-effective than with previous ABB drives, as there is no need to design and manufacture shrouds. Wheels on the cabinets also mean the units can be moved quickly and safely. These higher rated modules can also be turned through 90 degrees, allowing installation in previously
difficult to use spaces. All these features are available on the new ABB general purpose drive, ACS580, which also retains all the labour saving installation features of previous ABB drive products. Commonality of mounting means that the ACS580 can be used as a direct replacement for ABB’s earlier drives.
ABB T: 01925 741111
www.abb.com/energy
/AUTOMATION
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