Last year, Rittal introduced a new industry standard for power distribution with its RiLineX platform system. Now, at Hannover Messe, new complete boards from the RiLineX platform, designed for low currents of up to 550 A, are being launched. Copper bars with a smaller cross-section reduce raw material usage and costs in numerous applications, for example in mechanical engineering.
The RiLineX “Click & Work” system enables the of safe power distribution systems to be set up rapidly, providing time savings of up to 30% in planning and designing and as much as 75% in assembly. Standardisation is combined with a high level of flexibility through the platform system and the combination of complete boards and modular systems. This concept is now being expanded at the sales launch. At Hannover Messe, the company is introducing new, fully assembled boards to the system, which enable a rated current of up to 550 A and a short-circuit resistance of up to 52.5 kA, at the same time using less copper. For the recently presented options up to 800 A, Rittal now guarantees a short-circuit strength of up to 65 kA. Every complete board is available in the standard enclosure widths of 600 mm, 800 mm, 1,000 mm, and 1,200 mm, and can be configured in a flash.
“We began with boards of up to 800 A plus a fully flexible modular system to provide a wide variety of applications, from conventional mechanical engineering to numerous applications in the energy sector and even IT infrastructure,” says Jörg Kreiling, Head of Product Management Energy & Power Solutions at Rittal. He added, “We know from customer analyses that some users do not utilise the full rated current.” A rated current of up to 550 A is enough for many applications, particularly in mechanical engineering. With the new ready-to-use boards, we help these customers make enormous savings in raw materials and costs.”
550 amperes with less copper
The savings are made possible by using smaller standard copper bars. Instead of the 30 mm x 10 mm cross-section, they are now only 30 mm x 5 mm. “Thanks to the design and good ventilation of the system, we can guarantee the specified rated current and high short-circuit resistance with a cross-section that's half the size,” Mr. Kreiling explains. This results in significant savings in terms of copper, a cost-intensive raw material.
The platform’s system advantages, such as the absence of attachment planning, the IP 2XB or IP 4X contact hazard protection, and the ability to be completely configured over the entire length, apply to the new options. The boards can be mounted horizontally, vertically and overhead within the enclosure. If needed, the boards can be very easily combined with suitable baying connectors to form longer systems. This works both within a single enclosure and across multiple enclosures. Here, too, the sophisticated nature of the platform system is evident: Only the board's lateral end cap is removed; a series connector can then be mounted in just a few movements.
A modular system without any rails as an alternative
To offer users even greater flexibility, RiLineX is also available as a modular kit without any rails. Here, no heavy metallic parts need to be shipped to other continents, and customers have design freedom, even with rated currents of up to 800 A. Boards that are 205 mm to 2,400 mm long can be easily customised with the modular system. The base tray is designed to accommodate standard copper, aluminium, and Cuponal rails in various cross-sections, allowing for on-site use without any modifications. The rails merely need to be cut to length. The plastic components for the different rated currents and metals are identical. This well-thought-out design not only reduces the number of parts but also ensures that the mechanical engineering and assembly are the same for all variants, so reducing the user’s workload.