Low-current power distribution.

Manufacturers are moving away from stand-alone power distribution enclosures for individual control units. Instead, they are looking to create an overarching system within a single enclosure, serving multiple controllers – each one assigned to a specific machine. The new Rittal RiLine Compact, designed for control units that require a maximum current of 125 A, addresses this need. Despite its size, the busbar system distributes power effectively and reliably, in compliance with all applicable standards. The innovative technology is ideal for small switchgear and controllers, and for direct integration into plant and equipment.

RiLine Compact marks Rittal’s entry into a new market segment for low-current power distribution. Currently, most systems designed for up to 125 A feature comb busbars or conventional wiring. However, this type of wiring devours time and effort, and can result in numerous individual connections – and a confusing configuration. Moreover, the drawback of comb busbars is that they vary by manufacturer and design type, and are not standardised and modular. And busbar systems are rare below 125 A, meaning many have a highly customised configuration, making assembly and installation complex and time-consuming.

All-round contact hazard protection
RiLine Compact comprises a board with busbars entirely enclosed in covers that safeguard against unintentional contact. A connection can be easily established anywhere along the length of a busbar via a series of access apertures (called the pitch pattern) in the board. Switchgear and control units can be simply “plugged in” using a variety of adaptors. In addition, a adapter for connection to round conductors is available, as well as a variety of functional modules for motor and power control.

One of RiLine Compact’s primary strengths is that it can be rapidly configured, assembled and installed. The main board and diverse components can be securely mounted without the need for tools. Because the entire system is shielded by covers, users are protected against live parts. This enhances safety for operators and for the system as a whole. Furthermore, it saves time and cuts costs.

@Rittal #PAuto

Busbar for AC & DC applications!

Efficient drive systems, idle power loss reductions and the renewable energy sector all require safe, reliable DC solutions and while they cannot replace AC applications across the board, they are definitely growing in importance.

Rittal is the world’s first manufacturer to offer an approved busbar system with standard components, optimised for both AC and DC applications. No other products are required.

DC busbar systems are increasingly deployed in converter buses, DC power backup systems, photovoltaics, galvanics, energy storage systems and in shipbuilding. The system has a current carrying capacity of up to 1600A, a nominal voltage of up to 1500V DC and a short-circuit rating of up to 40kA. Rittal’s RiLine is approved to IEC 61439 and UL 845 in conjunction with UL 508, making it suitable for a wide range of industries.

Depending on requirements, busbar systems can be made of copper, aluminium or cuponal, a copper-clad aluminium busbar from Rittal. RiLine’s assembly parts, such as connection adapters up to 800A, OM component adaptors with tension spring clamps and CB Series compact circuit breaker adaptors up to 250A, are suitable for DC applications. The following fuse components can be deployed: size 00-3 NH bus-mounting fuse bases up to 630A and size 00 NH slimline fuse-switch disconnectors up to 160A, with corresponding DC fuses.

Busbar systems design software

RiLine60, a fully shielded flexible busbar system with a wide range of busbar adaptors, provides a cost effective solution for power distribution within control cabinets.

To assist with the reduction of design and installation time, Rittal’s RPE design software has been developed for the creation of a parts list for a distribution system. The RPE software has been designed to integrate RiLine60 into standard Rittal enclosures: TS 8, SE 8, AE, CM and KS.
Reducing engineering costs, Rittal’s RPE software can produce a detailed CAD design showing the busbar system inside enclosures with the full range of accesso-ries available. Other key benefits to the RPE software include the ability to produce a bill of materials and heat losses for most leading manufacturers of control and circuit protection devices.

For a demonstration of the RPE software and further details of the RiLine60 please contact Rittal.

Busbars

Rittal’s Cuponal busbar is a copper-coated aluminium busbar available in lengths of 2400m which can offer customers several advantages over traditional busbar systems. Suitable for installation in standard Rittal tested busbar supporting systems, the Cuponal busbar is available in the following sizes and current rating:

20 x 5mm 235A; 20 x 10mm 363A; 30 x 5mm 328A and 30 x 10mm 493A.

Busbars are usually made from copper, however, savings through lower costs, lighter weight and simplified handling can be made by the use of other materials such as aluminium and cuponal.

A core of aluminum is pressed with a coat of copper, so that both form an inseparable unit. This will allow the positive characteristics of electrically highly conductive copper with the light weight of aluminum combined optimally.

Cuponal is a bi-metal composite material for use as electrical connection in switch cabinets, switchboards and distribution boards.

Design software for fully shrouded busbar systems

Rittal’s RiLine60 shrouded busbar system has been developed to distribute power up to 1600A and with an extensive range of adaptors allows design engineers total flexibility. With fast assembly and ingenious design RiLine60 is ideally suited for power switchgear systems and automation control panels.

To assist in reducing design and installation time Rittal’s RPE design software has been developed for the design and creation a parts list for a distribution system. The RPE software has been designed to integrate RiLine60 into standard Rittal enclosures: TS 8, SE 8, AE, CM and KS.

Extensive testing has provided heat loss data for the following manufacturers: ABB; GE; Hager; Mitsubishi; Moeller; Schneider; Siemens and Terasaki.

On selection of the type of enclosure, number and manufacturer of the devices, the RPE software will generate a CAD drawing of the system and calculate the heat loss within the panel. Another key feature of the software is the ability to produce a design and routine verification document that complies with the IEC 61439-2 standard.

All the features of the RiLine60 and RPE design software will enable the design engineer to save time and offer a safe and reliable power distribution system.

The answer to a panel builder's dream!

The RiLine60 is the answer for panel builders and OEM’s looking to reduce costs according to a recent communique from Rittal. Adaptable for all leading manufacturers of distribution and control gear, timesa-ving assembly, versatile applications and individual modularity are all features.

Combining contemporary design and outstanding safety technology, Rittal’s busbar system is modular and the adaptor mounting plates can be fitted quickly allowing power connections to circuit breakers and contactors. Design improvements mean that the integrated step mechanisms for adapting to the flat bar cross-section can now be locked using pins. Engineers have the flexibly to insert flat copper bars retained in a holder from the front, or slide them in from the side.

Creating holes by simply knocking out perforations permits the simple, tool-free introduction of round conductors and laminated copper bars. Specially incorporated anti-slip guard also guarantees that the OM (One Move) component adapter holds securely in any position. Installation on 4-pole busbar systems is ensured by adjusting the adapter section.

With power ratings of up to 1600A and 3 and 4 pole versions available, Rittal’s RiLine60 is flexible for today’s demanding applications, such as the Process Industry or where down time is critical.