FEATURE POWER POWER DECENTRALIZATION MADE EASY
For many systems builders and installers, the power supply has been an obstacle on the path to consistent decentralization. Kamil Buczek, Sebastian Lederer, and Maximilian Hülsebusch, PULS, explain how an all-in-one power supply can help
1. DECENTRALIZED POWER SUPPLY: THE CHALLENGE AND THE SOLUTION The challenge: An obvious solution is to design a system which can be mounted directly on a machine or the installation. The power supply and other standard components such as electronic fuses, communication terminals, distributor blocks or switches are relocated from the central control cabinet to smaller enclosures directly in the field. The installation of these components outside of a fully environmentally protected central cabinet means they will require a high IP rating individually to ensure protection against dust and moisture. Protection to class IP54, IP65 or IP67 may be required, depending on the application. The result will be a small, decentralized on-site cabinet for which the
individual components have to be selected, ordered, stored, assembled and installed. Often, there is little space available on a machine to locate a control system, so finding a location for this cabinet can be problematic. The solution: A compact all-in-one solution for decentralized applications
is now available from PULS. The new FIEPOS Field power supply family is based on a modular platform developed specifically for use outside of a cabinet. All models are based on either 1-phase or 3-phase input power with either a 300W or 500W output rating. All devices in the FIEPOS family provide 120% power continuously (up to +45°C) and 200% for 5s, making them suitable for loads with a demanding start-up cycle. These have a housing size of 182 x 183 x 57mm (WxHxD), and can be
mounted via DIN-rail or in place using a variety of mounting holes. The Basic series has
FIEPOS switch-mode power supplies can be
attached directly to the machine and replace complex, decentralized control cabinets
one DC output which offers an optional integrated decoupling MOSFET for developing redundant power supply systems, and the eFused series with up to four current-limited DC outputs. FIEPOS simplifies the delivery of selective current distribution, protection and monitoring directly in the field, with no need for any further accessories, or costly, bulky enclosures. FIEPOS supplies are manufactured using a combination of modular boards futureproofing them by allowing new functions to be
added by simply integrating alternative boards as required.
2. SELECTIVE CURRENT DISTRIBUTION AND PROTECTION The eFused range of FIEPOS power supplies offer an alternative to power sources which are protected either by means of an external electronic four-channel protection module, four external fuses or circuit breakers. To deliver selective current distribution, the eFused versions can integrate up to four electronic fuses, allowing them to simultaneously supply electromechanical loads (e.g. motors) and sensitive loads such as controls or sensors from a single decentralized and fused power supply.
24 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021| DESIGN SOLUTIONS If there is a short-circuit, the power supply selectively shuts down
only the faulty output and reports this via the IO-Link or Output-OK signal and the LED interface on the front of the device. Due to active current limitation, all other outputs continue to be supplied with the proper voltage. This is particularly important in the case of sensitive and safety-critical loads such as PLCs or sensors. Requirements can vary greatly from one application to another. For
this reason, PULS has developed various circuit designs for the most common applications. There are three possible configurations: Option 1: Two outputs - Four load branches This configuration allows up to four separate load branches with two
outputs each. For this requirement PULS offers three eFused models with an output power of either 300W or 500W. With these models, two separate electric circuits per output can be
achieved, allowing sensors and actuators to be independent of each other. If one sensor load branch fails due to a fault, the other three load branches continue to be supplied with power. The fault is indicated via IO-Link and the status LED on the front of the device. The communications and LED status allows maintenance to be performed quickly and efficiently. The tripped channel is reset using the pushbutton on the front of the device or alternatively, via IO-Link. Option 2: Three outputs
- Three load branches These options provide
up to three separate and individually protected load branches with one power supply for several sensors and actuators with power via each load branch. If a sensor connected to
output 1 fails, the electric circuit is open. All sensors and actuators connected to the faulty output are no longer supplied with power. The fault is indicated via IO-Link and the status LED on the front of the device. Outputs 2 and 3 remain unaffected by this fault, and the power to these outputs is maintained. Option 3: Four outputs
- Four NEC Class 2 load branches A power source with
limited power may be necessary for applications installed in North America. For this reason, the maximum wattage of
> 26 / DESIGNSOLUTIONS
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