Modular switch gear busbar solution for Biomass generation plant room!

The development of a power station plant room not only provided logistical and technical issues but also harsh environmental considerations for Nova Controls during their installation of water treatment PLC for a Yorkshire (GB) biomass site. The performance of Rittal’s Ri4power modular switch gear busbar system helped to deliver the solution that the site demands.

Peter Hubbert from Nova Controls commented “Working with Rittal Ri4Power gave us a proven high quality engineered product, incorporating all the solutions required to meet the demanding Form 4 specifications of our client and  the power generation market. This highly flexible product allowed us to design and configure individual compartments with a range of versatile multifunction components, affording us a speedy assembly and a vital cost effective solution in this competitive arena.”

Location of the existing site structure meant that the panel had to be craned in position, therefore rigidity and strength of the framework was a priority. Ri4Power’s welded frame and tested lifting procedures assisted with the installation of the panel within the new power station plant room.

Safety was a key concern to the end customer therefore Rittal’s internal RiLine60 busbar system was shielded and the panel designed in line with IEC61641 Internal Arc Protection. Form 4 type 6 compartments segregated the control devices, busbar and outgoing terminals, which assisted the cabling on site and offered a higher level of safety.

The panel was located in a plant room where there is a possibility of high levels of moisture and the potential for an acidic atmosphere. To reduce any corrosion or damage to the panel a tropicalized paint finish was used.

Being of a modular design Rittal’s Ri4Power allowed Nova Controls to make last minute changes to the design layout.

In addition to Ri4Power system, Nova also utilised Rittal’s RPE Engineering software to generate design verification documentation that included heat calculations in line with the latest IEC61439 switchgear and Control-gear standards.