Siemens has developed an innovative circuit protection device with cutting-edge electronic switching technology. The Sentron ECPD (electronic circuit protection device) electronically switches off circuit faults if errors occur and, if necessary, trips the mechanical isolating contact downstream. Up until now, disconnection has been handled only by electro-mechanical elements.
“This innovation offers users several benefits and has the potential to revolutionise circuit protection,” said Andreas Matthé, CEO of Electrical Products at Siemens Smart Infrastructure.
The Sentron ECPD enables completely new approaches in electrical planning, maximising safety, flexibility and delivering significant space and energy savings compared to conventional solutions. “For the first time in circuit protection, the user can benefit from several functionalities in one product and can activate them as required by the individual application or adapt them if needed. This, combined with the solid-state switching technology, enables up to a thousand times faster, wear-free switching,” Matthé added.
Circuit protection devices are central components of every electrical installation. If certain load current limits are exceeded, these devices disconnect the individual loads to protect people and systems from damage. In the event of a short circuit, for example, this type of disconnection occurs in commercially available circuit breakers within two to three milliseconds.
In comparison, Sentron ECPD disconnects up to a thousand times faster, minimising the occurring short-circuit energy. This ensures maximum safety for people, systems, and electrical equipment. Sentron ECPD also offers wear-free switching, which increases the service life of systems and reduces maintenance and repair costs. In addition, the integrated cyclical self-test (including the integrated RCD function) raises safety to a new level not covered by current concepts.
Multifunctional and adaptable
The smart Sentron ECPD offers more functionalities in one compact design, saving space and costs. The range of functions can be customised as required. New functions can be easily activated on the ECPD without having to purchase a new device and functionally adapt it into the circuit. The Sentron powerconfig app makes this task easy.
The device can thus be adjusted as required and adapted to the requirements of the application, with regard to rated current, tripping limits or behaviour, for example. These properties offer planning and cost advantages. Circuits can be designed based on the rated current of the loads instead of the significantly higher inrush current peaks that occur briefly with certain load types, such as LED lights. This reduces complexity as well as planning and installation effort and saves on materials such as copper.
Reducing operating costs and downtime
The Sentron ECPD offers full transparency on energy consumption in the final circuit through radio-based communication with the Sentron Powercenter 1000 and 3000 gateways. This enables measures to optimise systems and processes, as part of energy management in accordance with ISO 50001, for example, which in turn allows for efficient reductions in energy and operating costs.
For the first time, it is possible to perform detailed condition monitoring of the applications at the final circuit level. This substantially increases availability and operational reliability. The measurement data enables the detection of irregularities and deviations and creates a reliable planning basis for preventive maintenance. The Sentron ECPD can be easily integrated into higher-level systems using the open Modbus TCP standard.
The smart ECPD also makes it possible to carry out remote diagnostics and remote switching during normal operation as well as in the event of a fault. This offers significant benefits, especially for remote applications without direct on-site support. In addition, it is easier to localise and identify faults by differentiating the cause of the fault.
Supporting sustainability
The Sentron ECPD combines multiple product functions in one device. Depending on the application, this allows savings of up to 80% on electronics, 90% on metals and 90% on plastics. Overall, the device is about 90% lighter than those otherwise required. Compared to solutions based on today’s conventional technology, the Sentron ECPD requires up to 80% less space in the distribution board, eliminating the need for costly structural measures.
For more information visit: www.siemens.com
