Lightining DC Switchgear...
Incorporating the NDC Circuit Breaker
Download PDFFIT AND FORGET TECHNOLOGY
FKI Switchgears’ Lightning product, incorporating the high speed NDC Circuit Breaker, is the latest addition to our ‘Fit and Forget’ range of switchgear products. Combining our proven technologies with the award winning, patented magnetic actuator technology, the Lightning provides a new and innovative DC Switchgear solution for a variety of markets and demanding applications.
Integral, ergonomic controls provide ease of use, whilst the Fit and Forget technology and high quality mouldings employed provide minimal maintenance operation over an extended product life (in excess of 30 years); thus reducing overall lifetime costs.
World Leaders in DC Switchgear
As world leaders in DC Switchgear design and manufacture, Whipp & Bourne have used their technical and engineering expertise to design a DC Circuit Breaker which takes full advantage of the latest manufacturing methods, materials and technology.
Built on proven reliability and almost 80 years DC design excellence and manufacturing experience, the Lightning Switchgear product offers customers innovation coupled with a lifetime of unrivalled service.
Strong established working relationships with key customers and suppliers, and the tradition of continuous improvement, enables Whipp & Bourne to achieve its premium level of customer service and maintain its well respected position as market leader.
THE LIGHTNING PANEL
Circuit Breaker Compartment
The circuit breaker compartment contains all support rails, interlocks and electrical connections necessary for safe operation of the NDC circuit breaker. A comprehensive interlocking scheme is fitted to prevent unsafe operation of the circuit breaker, with functions or access to the circuit breaker being restricted depending on the position of the circuit breaker.
Self-aligning automatic connections, protected by shutters, are used to connect the circuit breaker to both the busbar and track feeder cables. When the circuit breaker is installed into the circuit breaker compartment an automatic connection provides the circuit breaker earth.
A fully insulated vent chamber is fitted inside the circuit breaker compartment. This vent chamber allows ionised gases and arcing products to expand and cool prior to release through a vent at the rear of the circuit breaker compartment. The circuit breaker compartment vent is ducted such that vented products are safely dispersed away from operators.
Control and Protection Compartment
The control and protection compartment contains all control and protection equipment associated with the individual switchboard panel. Protection schemes can be tailored to suit individual user requirements, including fitting of Whipp & Bourne or other third party protection relays. Protection features can include rate of rise; overcurrent protection; Auto-reclosing; Intertrip; and tunnel trip. On Whipp & Bourne standard control and protection schemes, safety is enhanced by not permitting system voltage wiring in the control and protection compartment.
Busbar Compartment
The busbar compartment fully encloses the busbars, their joints and insulated supports and is segregated from all other compartments. Access to the busbar compartment is via separate removable covers.
Cable Compartment
The cable compartment fully encloses the outgoing cables, their connections, insulated supports and current measuring shunt. The cable compartment is segregated from all other compartments.
THE NDC CIRCUIT BREAKER
Why the NDC?
- Utilises award winning Fit & Forget technology - low energy, 2 coil, magnetic actuator mechanism with superior and proven reliability
- Superior design concept and operating mechanism reduces the number of components and promotes simplicity of design
- Minimal maintenance with a long service life designed to exceed 30 years
- Compact design results in reduced envelope size
- Simple to operate with ergonomic controls and truck isolation
- High speed operation, direct overload and electrical tripping
- Reduced contact wear through the use of silver tungsten carbide contacts
- Patented Arc transfer into arc chute - providing consistency of operational switching requirements
- Mechanical On / Off Indicator
- Enhanced electrical and mechanical endurance
- Full commissioning, installation, After-Sales, Maintenance and 24 Hour Site Services
- Complies with Health & Safety requirements; low halogen and low smoke emission material used throughout the design.
Application
Flexible and versatile, the Lightning switchboard offers customers the ability to fulfill most DC applications and requirements.
The switchboards’ compact design and simplicity makes it the ideal choice for the worlds most demanding DC power requirements - from leading rail and traction networks to industrial and military DC applications.
The NDC is also available as a loose truck for panel builders and retrofitting, enabling Original Equipment Manufacturers to benefit from the new and exciting technology.
NDC CIRCUIT BREAKER MECHANICAL FEATURES
PERFORMANCES
DIMENSIONS
Read more
