Joint DC busbar project: Increased reliability, decreased failures
Together with the following top-class partners from industry and research, E-T-A focuses on the development of optimised protection and switching technology for DC networks:
- Paul Vahle GmbH & Co. KG, Kamen
- Lenze SE, Aerzen
- KEBA Industrial Automation Germany GmbH, Lahnau
- Technische Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe - FB5 - Elektrotechnik und Technische Informatik - iFE - Institut für Energieforschung, Lemgo
E-T-A is developing highly efficient, resource-saving DC busbars for production and manufacturing in a joint project named HybSchaDC.
E-T-A is working on the development of optimised switchgear and protection devices for DC networks. Specifically, this means we are researching the design, the construction and the testing of smart, modular DC branch concepts with reliable disconnection, based on fast-switching Silicon carbide circuit breakers according to IEC 60947-10.
These concepts not only include protection against damages caused by overcurrents, such as overloads and short circuits. In the context of a modular approach, they also enable the integration of system services such as pre-charging, predictive maintenance and trouble-shooting.
One of the major goals is the system reliability and the prevention of consequential damages. Based on a permanent analysis of measuring data, maintenance services can be reduced and significantly simplified. Automated condition monitoring allows to predict the expected remaining service life of components that are subject to wear and tear during operation (e.g. trailing cables, gearboxes). This allows the transition from regular and frequent replacement within fixed maintenance cycles to demand-orientated replacement and reduces maintenance and procurement costs as well as planned and unplanned downtimes.
