GlobalSpec has asked its users about the latest design trends and features related to Busbars and Busways. They have also shared their product applications and tips on how to buy and use these products.
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Durable and appropriate for harsh environments. Prevent ingress of insects.
Conductors shall be sleeved, shall be spaced apart by at least 8 mm, inter-conductor spacing and conductors to outer single -piece extruded Aluminium (preferred) encloser filled up with electrically, mechanically and thermally high-quality, self-setting resin-filler-hardener mix.
Standardisation of busbar characteristics and design should be adopted in all relevant standards so that a common and comprehensive quality product is achieved and used in the system.
Can handle above 10 000 Amps/ 20 V in pulsated power without hysteresis, cheap material as aluminum, yet more resistant to corrosion (sulphates, alkaline environment)
Presently, copper/copper alloy and aluminium bars are used for many LV panels, but there should be new commercially viable and cost effective technologies developed for busbars.
Busbar systems should have enough capacity to withstand present load, some additional capacity for expansion and most important to withstand short circuit current (dynamic stress)
Epoxy resin coating insulation; Aluminum housing; Copper cross section area; Low voltage drop; low resistant joints
Proper IP68 protection in an all metal housing to overcome the weight problem associated with cast resin systems.
Materials which can replace copper with better current density and at the same time be economical.
A: Introduction of Low Cost Copper Bus bars. B: Bus bars for Oil Gas Market. C: Aluminum Bus bars.
Less weight for same amp rating. Corrosion resistant for harsh environments
Compact and low heat loss; less weight
Low cost; built-in circuit protection
Indoor metal clad switchgear
Should avoid loose joints in busbars; cleaning of bus insulators to avoid tracing and failure of busbars resulting in shutdown of plant facilities.
If you have a non-standard application be prepared to design it yourself. Learn appropriate codes and conduct FMEA prior to settling on a design. Understand system impedance and compensate for resonance issues.
Use bus bars at only 60 percent of the bus bars designed load. You can also improve the connection quality at a very long time to coat chromium oxide on the copper bus bars ... it can save the bus bars from corrosive and dusty environments.
Be careful of out of order 'phasing' problem when connecting to source (Transformer) or Load side (ACB/Breakers). Very inflexible at that aspect.
Ensure the application is suitable for the type of busbar selected ie. if outdoor feeder is busbar tested to IP68.
Ensure the number and spacing of supports used during its Type Test for Short-Time Current Rating are provided in Service. Also, purity of the conductor material. Measures taken for Ingress Protection during IP Type Test are ensures in Batch supply also. Quality of Joint - contact area , contact pressure and uniformity of distribution of the available force over the available contact area. Thermal and Electrical strength and dependability of Insulation provided etc. shall be closely verified and satisfied, even if the Mandatory Type Tests are passed.
Stick to standards; know your short circuit current; ensure adequate insulation
Check purity of copper & mill certificates for copper conductors.
Follow CDA handbook for selection and usage of copper.
