(Circuit) Breaking News! Siemens’ New Electronic Circuit Protection Device
Siemens announces a new approach to circuit protection that doesn’t use a mechanical disconnection method, instead relying on a more modern digital method to open circuits when a fault occurs.
The Siemens company has recently unveiled one of the latest products in the SENTRON product catalog, a lineup that includes a wide array of electromechanical and digital devices to enhance safety in the industry.
The new SENTRON ECPD from Siemens. Image used courtesy of Siemens
How Does Circuit Protection Work?
Protecting devices within an electrical circuit is very important. When components fail, they can cause a reduction in resistance or even a short circuit, causing a fire and risking the lives of the operators and technicians who work around the equipment.
A typical circuit breaker passes current through a specially designed electromagnet. As the current increases, so does the magnetic force. If the force grows too much, the magnet will force open the contacts, thus opening the circuit. These have a very quick response time.
Some dual circuit breakers also include bimetallic alloy strips that change shape to open the contacts as the heat from the overcurrent increases. The outcome is the same, but meant for a longer-term response than the magnetic trip time.
Once the circuit is broken, the circuit breaker can be reset without replacing any components. Because these devices use mechanical components, they can wear out and may not reset properly after too many fault trips.
Check out our teardown article to see inside a circuit breaker for yourself!
The components inside a dual thermal/magnetic circuit breaker. Image used courtesy of Adobe Stock - Labels added
Siemens SENTRON ECPD (Electronic Circuit Protection Device)
The new SENTRON ECPD uses advanced semiconductor and electromechanical components to protect downstream electrical devices. A digital architecture within the protection device allows the user to monitor, configure, and adjust parameters without opening the electrical cabinet. This also means one device can be used in multiple applications, saving the number of spare parts on hand.
Slow Mechanical Components
Mechanical components react slowly compared to electronic components. The ECPD takes advantage of high-speed computations made available with semiconductors. The device is advertised as being able to switch up to 1000x faster than a typical electromechanical switch. This equals less potential damage to downstream devices.
Software Control
Each SENTRON is capable of communicating with the SENTRON Powerconfig app where multiple smart functions can be activated or deactivated. The app can also be used for setting parameters such as tripping limits or viewing rated currents. These actions typically require opening the high-voltage cabinet, exposing personnel to dangerous arc flash or electric shock.
Integration With PowerCenter Gateways
Constant power monitoring is becoming an important step in reducing carbon footprints. By knowing which circuits draw the most power, action plans can be developed to reduce these power-hungry monsters. The ECPD integrates into the SENTRON PowerCenter 1000 and 3000 gateways through radio-based communication protocols.
A common use of circuit protection is for sensitive heating and cooling process equipment. Image used courtesy of Siemens
Advanced Circuit Protection
Circuit breakers are a great protection device because they react quickly and are resetable. Siemens has taken this technology even further by using advanced semiconductors and fact-acting algorithms to detect spikes within the circuit. This early detection method then triggers a mechanical disconnect of the electrical circuit.
With many different types of circuits requiring various types of circuit breakers, it can be a daunting task to keep a spare parts repository. With the SENTRON protection device, one part can take the place of many with the ability to change the tripping point through parameters. This can only be done thanks to the electronic current monitoring features of the SENTRON protection device.
The Connected Infrastructure
The ability to monitor power consumption within a building has recently gained popularity. Many devices are on the market today to create a “smart building.” The concept involves a building that’s capable of monitoring its own power consumption and making changes to lower the consumption when not needed. Something simple, such as turning off lights or lowering building temperature in low-traffic areas, can greatly reduce power consumption.
With power monitoring from devices like the SENTRON ECPD, not only can you identify areas of concern, but you can also measure the impact after any changes have been implemented.
