Writer :Mohammad Ghorbani
Low
Voltage Electrical Panels
Low voltage electrical
panels operate at a voltage level of less than 1000V. These panels typically
house measuring equipment, control and protection devices, one or more
switches, and relays. In addition to controlling the flow of current, they
provide protection for devices and enable the measurement and control of
various parameters such as voltage, current, frequency, and more, making it
convenient for operators.
Classification
of LV Panels Based on Cell Type:
• Main Panels (Main): Main panels are
responsible for the main power supply of the entire system. They usually have
one or two parallel inputs, with one of them potentially coming from a
transformer or generator. These panels often incorporate numerous control and
protection circuits to reduce the risk of errors.
• Sub-Panels
(Sub): Sub-panels receive power from the feeders of main panels and
distribute energy to different parts of the system. These panels usually have
compact switches for both inputs and outputs and generally do not require specific
control circuits.
• Control Panels
(PLC-DCS): Control panels are used for communication between main panels
and MCC (Motor Control Centers). They act as intermediary panels, sometimes
referred to as SUB MAIN, and are commonly used in critical environments like
steel and iron smelting plants, ensuring constant supervision and minimizing
the chances of errors. The benefits of these systems include reducing the
volume of electrical and mechanical components in the circuit, simplifying
maintenance and troubleshooting, and tracing system faults.
• Capacitor Bank Panels (CB):
Industries often use induction motors and self-consuming loads, which do not
consume the maximum active power. These loads result in energy wastage. To
mitigate this issue, capacitor panels are used to correct the power factor and
eliminate the effects of load inductance. In smaller projects, these panels are
integrated into the main panels, using relays and intelligent microprocessors
to monitor and adjust voltage and current phases, thereby enhancing the power
factor.
• Motor Control
Centers (MCC): Motor Control Centers are present in all industries and
companies. Most MCCs are equipped with specialized protection systems and, in
some cases, remote control or PLC systems. Safety is paramount in these panels,
and they come in fixed and withdrawable models. They require less space, making
them suitable for locations with limited room.
Applications
of Low Voltage Panels:
Low voltage panels serve a
variety of purposes based on their specific characteristics. It’s crucial to
understand that different types of panels cater to different applications. For
instance, low voltage panels can be likened to a city where various electrical
tools are used, each performing its specific function. These panels find
applications in numerous sectors, including power stations, converter stations,
refineries, commercial buildings, factories, and more. The choice of panel
depends on the specific construction needs. Using low voltage panels not only
extends the lifespan of devices but also reduces costs and improves the quality
of work. However, these advantages are just a few examples of the benefits that
low voltage electrical panels offer.
