US20230420921A1 - Dual contactor electrical panelboard assembly, systems and methods - Google Patents
Dual contactor electrical panelboard assembly, systems and methods Download PDFInfo
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- US20230420921A1 US20230420921A1 US18/461,338 US202318461338A US2023420921A1 US 20230420921 A1 US20230420921 A1 US 20230420921A1 US 202318461338 A US202318461338 A US 202318461338A US 2023420921 A1 US2023420921 A1 US 2023420921A1
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
- H01H71/02—Housings; Casings; Bases; Mountings
- H01H71/0264—Mountings or coverplates for complete assembled circuit breakers, e.g. snap mounting in panel
- H01H71/0271—Mounting several complete assembled circuit breakers together
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B—BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B1/00—Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements
- H02B1/015—Boards, panels, desks; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B—BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B1/00—Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements
- H02B1/015—Boards, panels, desks; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
- H02B1/04—Mounting thereon of switches or of other devices in general, the switch or device having, or being without, casing
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
- H01H9/02—Bases, casings, or covers
- H01H9/04—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof casings
- H01H9/042—Explosion-proof cases
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B—BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B1/00—Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements
- H02B1/015—Boards, panels, desks; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
- H02B1/06—Boards, panels, desks; Parts thereof or accessories therefor having associated enclosures, e.g. for preventing access to live parts
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B—BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B1/00—Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements
- H02B1/26—Casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
- H02B1/28—Casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof or flameproof
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B—BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B1/00—Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements
- H02B1/26—Casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
- H02B1/40—Wall-mounted casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
- H02B1/42—Mounting of devices therein
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J3/00—Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B—BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02B1/00—Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements
- H02B1/20—Bus-bar or other wiring layouts, e.g. in cubicles, in switchyards
Definitions
- the field of the invention relates generally to heavy duty electrical panelboard assemblies for industrial systems, and more particularly to heavy duty, harsh and/or hazardous environment electrical panelboard assemblies including dual contactor assemblies.
- Certain types of conventional panelboard assemblies include a contactor for simultaneous switching of power circuits connected through the panelboard.
- a contactor for simultaneous switching of power circuits connected through the panelboard.
- Such conventional panelboards are typically entirely switched off via the contactor provided. That is, all of the loads fed by the panelboard are to be disconnected or switched off via actuation of the contactor.
- certain loads such as motors or lighting may desirably be used while other loads are switched off, and as such more than one panelboard is typically utilized to feed different loads, with each panelboard including a separate contactor for simultaneous switching of the loads connected to each panelboard.
- conventional panelboard assemblies include one enclosure per contactor assembly in addition to the panelboard itself, which in combination requires a large footprint and increased expense for installation.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary panelboard assembly.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the panelboard assembly shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 A is a partial front view of the panelboard assembly shown in FIG. 2 without an enclosure.
- FIG. 3 B is a perspective view of a portion of the panelboard assembly shown in FIG. 3 A .
- FIG. 3 C is an electrical circuit diagram of the panelboard assembly shown in FIG. 3 A .
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of assembling an electrical assembly using the panelboard assembly shown in FIGS. 1 - 3 C .
- Exemplary embodiments of panelboard assemblies disclosed herein provide heavy duty, harsh and/or hazardous environment capability with dual contactor assemblies integrated in the panelboard assembly. Each contactor assembly switches a separate group of loads on or off in the same panelboard assembly, eliminating a conventionally provided second panelboard assembly, and also eliminating separately provided enclosures for the contactors as conventionally provided.
- Electrical power systems sometimes operate within hazardous environments presenting a risk of explosion via ignition of a surrounding gas or vapor dusts, fibers, or flyings.
- hazardous environments may arise, for example without limitation, in petroleum refineries, petrochemical plants, grain silos, waste water treatment facilities and/or other industrial facilities, wherein volatile conditions are produced in the ambient environment and present a heightened risk of fire or explosion.
- a temporary or sustained presence of airborne ignitable gas, ignitable vapors, ignitable dust or otherwise flammable substances presents substantial concerns regarding safe and reliable operation of such facilities overall, including but not limited to safe operation of the electrical power system itself, which in some instances by virtue of conventional circuit protector devices may produce ignition sources in normal operation and in the presence of an electrical fault.
- a number of standards have been promulgated relating to electrical product use in explosive environments to improve safety in hazardous locations in view of an assessed probability of explosion or fire risk.
- Underwriter's Laboratories (“UL”) standard UL 1203 sets forth Explosion-Proof and Dust-Ignition-Proof Electrical Equipment criteria for hazardous locations. Explosion-Proof and Dust-Ignition-Proof enclosures are available to enclose or contain electrical products. In combination with appropriate Explosion-Proof and Dust-Ignition-Proof enclosures, electrical equipment manufacturers may receive UL certification of compliance with the applicable rating standards for hazardous locations, and UL certification is an important aspect of a manufacturer's ability to successfully bring products to market in North America or any other market accepting of UL standard 1203.
- the National Electric Code generally classifies hazardous locations by class and division.
- Class I locations are those in which flammable vapors and gases may be present.
- Class II locations are those in which combustible dust may be found.
- Class III locations are those which are hazardous because of the presence of easily ignitable fibers or flyings.
- Division 1 covers locations where flammable gases or vapors may exist under normal operating conditions, under frequent repair or maintenance operations, or where breakdown or faulty operation of process equipment might also cause simultaneous failure of electrical equipment.
- Division 1 presents a greater risk of explosion than, for example, Division 2 where flammable gases or vapors are normally handled either in a closed system, confined within suitable enclosures, or are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation.
- the International Electrotechnical Commission likewise categorizes hazardous locations into Class I, Zone 0, 1, or 2 representing locations in which flammable gases or vapors are or may be airborne in an amount sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.
- a Class I, Zone 0 location is a location in which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors are present continuously or for long periods of time.
- a Class I, Zone 1 location is a location in which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors are likely to exist because of repair or maintenance operations or because of leakage or possible release of ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors, or is a location that is adjacent to a Class I, Zone 0 location from which ignitable concentrations of vapors could be communicated.
- explosion-proof, flame-proof, or ignition proof enclosures are conventionally provided in NEC Division 1 or 2 locations and/or IEC Zone 1 or 2 locations to house electrical devices that pose ignition risk.
- explosion-proof or “flame-proof” in this context, refer to enclosures that are designed to be capable of containing an internal explosion of a specified flammable vapor-air mixture.
- Harsh locations may entail corrosive elements and the like in the atmosphere that are not necessarily explosive and/or are subject to temperature cycling, pressure cycling, shock and/or mechanical vibration forces that are typically not present in non-harsh operating environments.
- some locations in which panelboard assemblies are desirably employed are both harsh and hazardous by nature, and are therefore panelboard assemblies designed for various operating conditions, for which typical panelboard assemblies for other uses are unsatisfactory.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary heavy duty, harsh and/or hazardous environment panelboard assembly 100 .
- panelboard assembly 100 includes a main breaker assembly 102 , first and second contactor assemblies 104 a, 104 b, and first and second branch breaker assembly 106 a, 106 b .
- Panelboard assembly 100 may further include a line side terminal 108 , which is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply 110 .
- Power supply 110 may be an alternating current (AC) power supply such as a three-phase AC power supply, or a direct current (DC) power supply.
- AC alternating current
- DC direct current
- Main breaker assembly 102 is electrically connected to line side terminal 108 and configured to switch the entire panelboard assembly 100 on or off as needed, irrespective of any operating position of the first and second contactor assemblies 104 a, 104 b or any secondary circuit breaker or switch associated with the first and second branch breaker assemblies 106 a, 106 b.
- first and second contactor assemblies 104 a, 104 b are electrically connected in parallel to each other and are each electrically connected to main breaker assembly 102 in a split bus configuration.
- First and second contactor assemblies 104 a, 104 b each include one or more contactors 304 (shown in FIG. 3 C ). Contactors 304 may be manually switched on or off, and/or may be automatically switched on or off through a photoresistor, a timer, another switch, or a controller as desired.
- first contactor assembly 104 a is further electrically connected to first branch breaker assembly 106 a, which is configured to control a first group of loads 112 a.
- First branch breaker assembly 106 a includes one or more branch circuit breakers 113 (shown in FIGS. 2 - 3 C ). Each branch circuit breaker 113 is electrically connected to one or more loads in first group 112 a and is configured to individually switch the connected loads on or off.
- Second contactor assembly 104 b is further electrically connected to second branch breaker assembly 106 b, which includes one or more branch circuit breakers 113 configured to individually switch a second group of connected loads 112 b on or off.
- first and second subpanel assemblies 138 a, 138 b are formed in panelboard assembly 100 .
- First subpanel assembly 138 a includes first contactor assembly 104 a and first branch breaker assembly 106 a.
- Second subpanel assembly 138 b includes second contactor assembly 104 b and second branch breaker assembly 106 b.
- Two subpanel assemblies are shown only as an example herein.
- Panelboard assembly 100 may include more than two subpanel assemblies 138 a, 138 b. In other words, panelboard assembly 100 may include more than two contactor assemblies and more than two branch breaker assemblies, and each of the contactor assemblies is used to switch a separate group of loads on or off.
- first and second contactor assemblies 104 a, 104 b are used to switch on or off one half of panelboard assembly 100 by simultaneously connecting or disconnecting the entirety of the branch breaker assemblies 106 a, 106 b.
- first contactor assembly 104 a may be used to carry out that operation, instead of switching on or off all of the individual branch circuit breakers 113 in first branch breaker assembly 106 a one by one.
- second contactor assembly 104 b may switch on or off second group of loads 112 b all at once, instead of switching on or off individual breakers in second branch breaker assembly 106 b.
- the first and second groups of loads 112 a, 112 b are switched on and off more quickly via the respective contactor assembly 104 a, 104 b than by switching on or off each of the individual branch circuit breakers 113 in the branch breaker assemblies 106 a, 106 b.
- a relatively safe and convenient environment is also provided by keeping one of the groups of loads (e.g., the first group of loads 112 a ) on via one of the contactor assemblies (e.g., the first contactor assembly 104 a ) while the other group of loads (e.g., the second group of loads 112 b ) is switched off via the other contactor assembly (e.g., the second contactor assembly 104 b ) during troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance procedures.
- the groups of loads e.g., the first group of loads 112 a
- the other group of loads e.g., the second group of loads 112 b
- panelboard assembly 100 is adapted for use in a harsh and/or hazardous environment such as for lighting, motor applications, and other power system needs. In a harsh and/or hazardous environment, all loads powered by a panelboard assembly should not be disconnected all at once, because certain loads such as motors or lighting are needed to be on during troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair. Panelboard assembly 100 may specifically be constructed for use in a Class I division 2 hazardous environment. Panelboard assembly 100 may also be used, however, in a non-hazardous environment as desired.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of panelboard assembly 100 .
- Panelboard assembly 100 may further include a mounting board 114 , on which electrical elements of panelboard assembly 100 such as main breaker assembly 102 , first and second contactor assemblies 104 a, 104 b, and first and second branch breaker assemblies 106 a, 106 b are mounted.
- panelboard assembly 100 may be divided into a main panel 116 and a branch panel 118 .
- Main panel 116 may include main breaker assembly 102 and first and second contactor assemblies 104 a, 104 b.
- Branch panel 118 may include first and second branch breaker assemblies 106 a, 106 b.
- Panelboard assembly 100 may further include a main panel dead front 120 .
- Main panel dead front 120 may be used to cover at least a portion of main panel 116 .
- Main panel dead front may further include one or more slots 122 that allow access to main breaker assembly 102 to switch main breaker assembly 102 on or off when main panel dead front is placed over main panel 116 .
- Panelboard assembly 100 may also include a branch panel dead front 124 for covering at least a portion of branch panel 118 .
- Branch panel dead front 124 may also include one or more slots 122 for access to first or second branch breaker assembly 106 a, 106 b.
- panelboard assembly 100 may further include an enclosure 126 that is used to enclose main panel 116 and branch panel 118 .
- Enclosure 126 also encloses main panel dead front 120 and branch panel dead front 124 if main panel dead front 120 and branch panel dead front 124 are used.
- one enclosure 126 encloses two sets of contactor assembly 104 a, 104 b and branch breaker assembly 106 a, 106 b.
- FIGS. 3 A and 3 B are front and perspective views, respectively, of panelboard assembly 100 without enclosure 126 .
- FIG. 3 C is a circuit diagram of panelboard assembly 100 .
- the ratings of electronic components included in FIG. 3 C are exemplary only and may be higher or lower in other embodiments.
- panelboard assembly 100 is configured to be electrically connected to a three-phase AC power supply through lines L 1 , L 2 , and L 3 (see FIG. 3 C ). Connection to a three-phase AC power supply is used only as an example herein. Panelboard assembly 100 may be connected to AC power supplies of other distribution configurations or a DC power supply.
- main breaker assembly 102 includes three circuit breakers 302 , one for each phase of a three-phase power supply as shown in FIG. 3 C as L 1 , L 2 , L 3 .
- First and second contactor assemblies 104 a, 104 b each include three contactors 304 , also one for each phase, connected downstream from main breaker assembly 102 .
- First and second branch breaker assemblies 106 a, 106 b are connected downstream from the first and second contactor assemblies 104 a, 104 b, and each includes three branch circuit breakers 113 in the illustrated example.
- Each phase of branch breaker assemblies 106 a, 106 b may include more than one branch circuit breaker 113 .
- Each branch circuit breaker 113 may be electrically connected to one or more loads such as lighting loads shown in FIG. 3 C .
- Panelboard assembly 100 may further include one or more power distribution blocks (PDB) 306 , which are used as auxiliary power connections for electrical equipment.
- PDB 306 is used to distribute electrical power from a single input power source to multiple devices downstream. For example, for each phase L 1 , L 2 , or L 3 , PDB 306 receives power supply from line L 1 , L 2 , or L 3 through one single bus 320 , and supplies power to first subpanel assembly 138 a and second subpanel assembly 138 b through separate buses 322 a , 322 b.
- PDBs 306 eliminate the need to wire each subpanel assembly 138 a, 138 b directly to the power supply, and provide a clean installation and save time and money. While a split bus configuration is shown in FIG. 3 C , in further embodiments, more than two contactors 304 may be provided and electrically connected to one main circuit breaker 302 for each phase such that, for example only, one third of the loads connected to the panelboard may be simultaneously switched off by the respective contactors provided. As such, the number of contactors is scalable to provide any desired division of loads connected to the contactors while still maintaining a reduced footprint and cost relative to conventional panelboard solutions, as well as eliminating undesirable downtime of loads that conventional panelboard solutions entail.
- lighting in one area of a harsh and/or hazardous location may be simultaneously switched off via one of the contactors while the lighting in another area may be simultaneously switched on, or vice versa.
- Other loads such as motors and the like, may be connected to another panelboard such that the motors may be switched off for maintenance purposes while the lighting remains on in the areas of the motors.
- interior and exterior illumination may be coordinated via the panelboard via photocells or timers for energy conservation while still providing a safe and well-lit area when needed in the harsh and/or hazardous location.
- the auxiliary power connections described herein also provide conventional power connections when needed that do not require access to another panelboard that may power other loads such as motors and industrial processes. Meanwhile, the main breaker assembly 102 may disconnect the entire panelboard, including the contactor assemblies 104 a, 104 b in the case of an emergency.
- FIG. 4 shows an exemplary method 400 of assembling an electrical system for a harsh/hazardous environment and connecting a panelboard assembly such as that described above.
- Method 400 includes providing 402 a panelboard assembly.
- a panel board assembly may be any of the panel board assemblies 100 described above.
- Method 400 further includes electrically connecting 404 the panelboard assembly to a power supply.
- Method 400 also includes electrically connecting 406 a first group of loads to a first branch breaker assembly of the panelboard assembly. Further, method 400 includes electrically connecting 408 a second group of loads to the second branch breaker assembly of the panelboard assembly.
- panelboard assemblies are described herein including dual contactor assemblies in a panelboard assembly, thereby reducing downtime of an electrical assembly where one half of the electrical loads connected to the panelboard assembly is switched on or off independently from the other half of the loads connected to the panelboard. Further, a panelboard assembly having dual contactor assemblies is enclosed in only one enclosure, thereby reducing the cost and footprint of the panelboard assembly.
- the panelboard assembly includes a main breaker assembly configured to be electrically connected to a power supply, a first subpanel assembly, and a second subpanel assembly.
- the first subpanel assembly includes a first contactor assembly electrically connected to the main breaker assembly, and a first branch breaker assembly electrically connected to the first contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a first group of loads.
- the first branch breaker assembly includes one or more branch circuit breakers, and each of the one or more branch circuit breakers configured to control one or more loads in the first group of loads.
- the first contactor assembly is configured to switch the first group of loads on and off all at once.
- the second subpanel assembly is electrically connected in parallel to the first subpanel assembly, and includes a second contactor assembly electrically connected to the main breaker assembly and a second branch breaker assembly electrically connected to the second contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a second group of loads.
- the second branch breaker assembly includes one or more branch circuit breakers, and each of the one or more branch circuit breakers configured to control one or more loads in the second group of loads.
- the second contactor assembly is configured to switch the second group of loads on and off all at once.
- the panelboard assembly further includes an enclosure enclosing the main breaker assembly, the first subpanel assembly, and the second subpanel assembly. At least one of the first contactor assembly and the second contactor assembly is switched on and off through a photoresistor.
- the panelboard assembly further includes a PDB electrically connected to the main breaker assembly, the first contactor assembly, and the second contactor assembly.
- the panelboard assembly further includes a branch panel dead front covering at least a portion of the first branch breaker assembly and at least a portion of the second branch breaker assembly, wherein the branch panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to at least one of the first branch breaker assembly and the second branch breaker assembly.
- the panelboard assembly further includes a main panel dead front covering at least a portion of the main breaker assembly, wherein the main panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to the main breaker assembly.
- the panelboard assembly further includes a mounting board, wherein the main breaker assembly, the first subpanel assembly, and the second subpanel assembly are mounted on the mounting board.
- the panelboard assembly includes a first subpanel assembly, a second subpanel assembly, and an enclosure.
- the first subpanel assembly includes a first contactor assembly configured to be electrically connected to a power supply and a first branch breaker assembly electrically connected to the first contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a first group of loads.
- the first branch breaker assembly includes one or more branch circuit breakers, and each of the one or more branch circuit breakers configured to control one or more loads in the first group of loads.
- the first contactor assembly is configured to switch the first group of loads on and off all at once.
- the second subpanel assembly is electrically connected in parallel to the first subpanel assembly, and includes a second contactor assembly configured to be electrically connected to the power supply and a second branch breaker assembly electrically connected to the second contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a second group of loads.
- the second branch breaker assembly includes one or more branch circuit breakers, and each of the one or more branch circuit breakers configured to control one or more loads in the second group of loads.
- the second contactor assembly is configured to switch the second group of loads on and off all at once.
- the enclosure encloses the first subpanel assembly and the second subpanel assembly.
- the panelboard assembly further includes a main breaker assembly electrically connected to the first subpanel assembly and the second subpanel assembly, the main breaker assembly configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to the power supply.
- the panelboard assembly further includes a PDB electrically connected to the main breaker assembly, the first subpanel assembly, and the second subpanel assembly.
- the panelboard assembly further includes a main panel dead front covering at least a portion of the main breaker assembly, wherein the main panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to the main breaker assembly.
- the panelboard assembly further includes a mounting board, wherein the first subpanel assembly and the second subpanel assembly are mounted on the mounting board. At least one of the first contactor assembly and the second contactor assembly is switched on and off through a photoresistor.
- the panelboard assembly further includes a branch panel dead front covering at least a portion of the first branch breaker assembly and at least a portion of the second branch breaker assembly, wherein the branch panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to at least one of the first branch breaker assembly and the second branch breaker assembly.
- the method includes providing a panelboard assembly.
- the panelboard assembly includes a main breaker assembly configured to be electrically connected to a power supply, a first subpanel assembly, and a second subpanel assembly.
- the first subpanel assembly includes a first contactor assembly electrically connected to the main breaker assembly, and a first branch breaker assembly electrically connected to the first contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a first group of loads.
- the first branch breaker assembly includes one or more branch circuit breakers, and each of the one or more branch circuit breakers configured to control one or more loads in the first group of loads.
- the first contactor assembly is configured to switch the first group of loads on and off all at once.
- the second subpanel assembly is electrically connected in parallel to the first subpanel assembly, and includes a second contactor assembly electrically connected to the main breaker assembly and a second branch breaker assembly electrically connected to the second contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a second group of loads.
- the second branch breaker assembly includes one or more branch circuit breakers, and each of the one or more branch circuit breakers configured to control one or more loads in the second group of loads.
- the second contactor assembly is configured to switch the second group of loads on and off all at once.
- the method also includes electrically connecting the panelboard assembly to the power supply by electrically connecting the main breaker assembly to the power supply.
- the method further includes electrically connecting the first group of loads to the first branch breaker assembly by electrically connecting one of the one or more branch circuit breakers of the first branch breaker assembly with the one or more loads in the first group of loads.
- the method includes electrically connecting the second group of loads to the second branch breaker assembly by electrically connecting one of the one or more branch circuit breakers of the second branch breaker assembly with the one or more loads in the second group of loads.
- the panelboard assembly further includes an enclosure enclosing the main breaker assembly, the first subpanel assembly, and the second subpanel assembly. At least one of the first contactor assembly and the second contactor assembly is switched on and off through a photoresistor.
- the panelboard assembly further includes a branch panel dead front covering at least a portion of the first branch breaker assembly and at least a portion of the second branch breaker assembly, wherein the branch panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to at least one of the first branch breaker assembly and the second branch breaker assembly.
- the panelboard assembly further includes a main panel dead front covering at least a portion of the main breaker assembly, wherein the main panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to the main breaker assembly.
- the panelboard assembly further includes a mounting board, wherein the main breaker assembly, the first subpanel assembly, and the second subpanel assembly are mounted on the mounting board.
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Abstract
A panelboard assembly includes a plurality of subpanel assemblies and three power distribution blocks (PDBs). Each of the subpanel assemblies includes a branch breaker assembly electrically connected to a three-phase power supply and configured to be electrically connected to a group of loads. The branch breaker assembly includes a plurality of branch circuit breakers, each configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to a respective one or more loads in the group of loads. Each of the three PDBs is associated with a phase of the three-phase power supply. The three PDBs are disposed downstream of the power supply and upstream of the breaker assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies. Each PDB is configured to receive electrical power through a single bus and distribute the received electrical power to the branch breaker assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies via separate buses.
Description
- This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/117,659, filed Dec. 10, 2020, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/947,575 filed Dec. 13, 2019, the entire disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- The field of the invention relates generally to heavy duty electrical panelboard assemblies for industrial systems, and more particularly to heavy duty, harsh and/or hazardous environment electrical panelboard assemblies including dual contactor assemblies.
- Certain types of conventional panelboard assemblies include a contactor for simultaneous switching of power circuits connected through the panelboard. During troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair, such conventional panelboards are typically entirely switched off via the contactor provided. That is, all of the loads fed by the panelboard are to be disconnected or switched off via actuation of the contactor. In certain applications, however, certain loads such as motors or lighting may desirably be used while other loads are switched off, and as such more than one panelboard is typically utilized to feed different loads, with each panelboard including a separate contactor for simultaneous switching of the loads connected to each panelboard. Further, conventional panelboard assemblies include one enclosure per contactor assembly in addition to the panelboard itself, which in combination requires a large footprint and increased expense for installation.
- While known panelboard assemblies of the type described above are satisfactory in many cases in some applications, they remain disadvantaged and improvements are desired.
- Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following Figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various drawings unless otherwise specified.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary panelboard assembly. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the panelboard assembly shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3A is a partial front view of the panelboard assembly shown inFIG. 2 without an enclosure. -
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a portion of the panelboard assembly shown inFIG. 3A . -
FIG. 3C is an electrical circuit diagram of the panelboard assembly shown inFIG. 3A . -
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of assembling an electrical assembly using the panelboard assembly shown inFIGS. 1-3C . - Exemplary embodiments of panelboard assemblies disclosed herein provide heavy duty, harsh and/or hazardous environment capability with dual contactor assemblies integrated in the panelboard assembly. Each contactor assembly switches a separate group of loads on or off in the same panelboard assembly, eliminating a conventionally provided second panelboard assembly, and also eliminating separately provided enclosures for the contactors as conventionally provided.
- Electrical power systems sometimes operate within hazardous environments presenting a risk of explosion via ignition of a surrounding gas or vapor dusts, fibers, or flyings. Such hazardous environments may arise, for example without limitation, in petroleum refineries, petrochemical plants, grain silos, waste water treatment facilities and/or other industrial facilities, wherein volatile conditions are produced in the ambient environment and present a heightened risk of fire or explosion. A temporary or sustained presence of airborne ignitable gas, ignitable vapors, ignitable dust or otherwise flammable substances presents substantial concerns regarding safe and reliable operation of such facilities overall, including but not limited to safe operation of the electrical power system itself, which in some instances by virtue of conventional circuit protector devices may produce ignition sources in normal operation and in the presence of an electrical fault. As such, a number of standards have been promulgated relating to electrical product use in explosive environments to improve safety in hazardous locations in view of an assessed probability of explosion or fire risk.
- For example, Underwriter's Laboratories (“UL”) standard UL 1203 sets forth Explosion-Proof and Dust-Ignition-Proof Electrical Equipment criteria for hazardous locations. Explosion-Proof and Dust-Ignition-Proof enclosures are available to enclose or contain electrical products. In combination with appropriate Explosion-Proof and Dust-Ignition-Proof enclosures, electrical equipment manufacturers may receive UL certification of compliance with the applicable rating standards for hazardous locations, and UL certification is an important aspect of a manufacturer's ability to successfully bring products to market in North America or any other market accepting of UL standard 1203.
- The National Electric Code (NEC) generally classifies hazardous locations by class and division. Class I locations are those in which flammable vapors and gases may be present. Class II locations are those in which combustible dust may be found. Class III locations are those which are hazardous because of the presence of easily ignitable fibers or flyings. Considering Class I,
Division 1 covers locations where flammable gases or vapors may exist under normal operating conditions, under frequent repair or maintenance operations, or where breakdown or faulty operation of process equipment might also cause simultaneous failure of electrical equipment.Division 1 presents a greater risk of explosion than, for example,Division 2 where flammable gases or vapors are normally handled either in a closed system, confined within suitable enclosures, or are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation. - The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) likewise categorizes hazardous locations into Class I,
Zone Zone 1 location is a location in which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors are likely to exist because of repair or maintenance operations or because of leakage or possible release of ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors, or is a location that is adjacent to a Class I, Zone 0 location from which ignitable concentrations of vapors could be communicated. - Given that electrical devices, such as those described below, can be ignition sources in certain circumstances, explosion-proof, flame-proof, or ignition proof enclosures are conventionally provided in NEC
Division Zone - In addition to hazardous locations discussed above, so-called harsh locations also require specific focus in the design of panelboard assemblies used therewith. Harsh locations may entail corrosive elements and the like in the atmosphere that are not necessarily explosive and/or are subject to temperature cycling, pressure cycling, shock and/or mechanical vibration forces that are typically not present in non-harsh operating environments. Of course, some locations in which panelboard assemblies are desirably employed are both harsh and hazardous by nature, and are therefore panelboard assemblies designed for various operating conditions, for which typical panelboard assemblies for other uses are unsatisfactory.
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FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary heavy duty, harsh and/or hazardousenvironment panelboard assembly 100. In the exemplary embodiment shown,panelboard assembly 100 includes amain breaker assembly 102, first andsecond contactor assemblies branch breaker assembly Panelboard assembly 100 may further include aline side terminal 108, which is configured to be electrically connected to apower supply 110.Power supply 110 may be an alternating current (AC) power supply such as a three-phase AC power supply, or a direct current (DC) power supply.Main breaker assembly 102 is electrically connected toline side terminal 108 and configured to switch theentire panelboard assembly 100 on or off as needed, irrespective of any operating position of the first andsecond contactor assemblies branch breaker assemblies - In the exemplary embodiment, first and second contactor assemblies 104 a, 104 b are electrically connected in parallel to each other and are each electrically connected to
main breaker assembly 102 in a split bus configuration. First and second contactor assemblies 104 a, 104 b each include one or more contactors 304 (shown inFIG. 3C ).Contactors 304 may be manually switched on or off, and/or may be automatically switched on or off through a photoresistor, a timer, another switch, or a controller as desired. - In the contemplated embodiment,
first contactor assembly 104 a is further electrically connected to firstbranch breaker assembly 106 a, which is configured to control a first group ofloads 112 a. Firstbranch breaker assembly 106 a includes one or more branch circuit breakers 113 (shown inFIGS. 2-3C ). Eachbranch circuit breaker 113 is electrically connected to one or more loads infirst group 112 a and is configured to individually switch the connected loads on or off.Second contactor assembly 104 b is further electrically connected to secondbranch breaker assembly 106 b, which includes one or morebranch circuit breakers 113 configured to individually switch a second group of connectedloads 112 b on or off. - In the exemplary embodiment, first and second subpanel assemblies 138 a, 138 b (also see
FIG. 3C ) are formed inpanelboard assembly 100.First subpanel assembly 138 a includesfirst contactor assembly 104 a and firstbranch breaker assembly 106 a.Second subpanel assembly 138 b includessecond contactor assembly 104 b and secondbranch breaker assembly 106 b. Two subpanel assemblies are shown only as an example herein.Panelboard assembly 100 may include more than twosubpanel assemblies panelboard assembly 100 may include more than two contactor assemblies and more than two branch breaker assemblies, and each of the contactor assemblies is used to switch a separate group of loads on or off. - In operation, first and
second contactor assemblies panelboard assembly 100 by simultaneously connecting or disconnecting the entirety of thebranch breaker assemblies loads 112 a all at once, the user may usefirst contactor assembly 104 a to carry out that operation, instead of switching on or off all of the individualbranch circuit breakers 113 in firstbranch breaker assembly 106 a one by one. Similarly, the user may usesecond contactor assembly 104 b to switch on or off second group ofloads 112 b all at once, instead of switching on or off individual breakers in secondbranch breaker assembly 106 b. In this manner, the first and second groups ofloads respective contactor assembly branch circuit breakers 113 in thebranch breaker assemblies loads 112 a) on via one of the contactor assemblies (e.g., thefirst contactor assembly 104 a) while the other group of loads (e.g., the second group ofloads 112 b) is switched off via the other contactor assembly (e.g., thesecond contactor assembly 104 b) during troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance procedures. - In contemplated embodiments,
panelboard assembly 100 is adapted for use in a harsh and/or hazardous environment such as for lighting, motor applications, and other power system needs. In a harsh and/or hazardous environment, all loads powered by a panelboard assembly should not be disconnected all at once, because certain loads such as motors or lighting are needed to be on during troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair.Panelboard assembly 100 may specifically be constructed for use in aClass I division 2 hazardous environment.Panelboard assembly 100 may also be used, however, in a non-hazardous environment as desired. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view ofpanelboard assembly 100.Panelboard assembly 100 may further include a mountingboard 114, on which electrical elements ofpanelboard assembly 100 such asmain breaker assembly 102, first andsecond contactor assemblies branch breaker assemblies panelboard assembly 100 may be divided into amain panel 116 and abranch panel 118.Main panel 116 may includemain breaker assembly 102 and first andsecond contactor assemblies Branch panel 118 may include first and secondbranch breaker assemblies Panelboard assembly 100 may further include a main paneldead front 120. Main paneldead front 120 may be used to cover at least a portion ofmain panel 116. Main panel dead front may further include one ormore slots 122 that allow access tomain breaker assembly 102 to switchmain breaker assembly 102 on or off when main panel dead front is placed overmain panel 116.Panelboard assembly 100 may also include a branch paneldead front 124 for covering at least a portion ofbranch panel 118. Branch paneldead front 124 may also include one ormore slots 122 for access to first or secondbranch breaker assembly - In the exemplary embodiment,
panelboard assembly 100 may further include anenclosure 126 that is used to enclosemain panel 116 andbranch panel 118.Enclosure 126 also encloses main paneldead front 120 and branch paneldead front 124 if main paneldead front 120 and branch paneldead front 124 are used. As a result, oneenclosure 126 encloses two sets ofcontactor assembly branch breaker assembly panelboard assembly 100, not to mention a more costly assembly from a material and labor perspective to provide and install. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B are front and perspective views, respectively, ofpanelboard assembly 100 withoutenclosure 126.FIG. 3C is a circuit diagram ofpanelboard assembly 100. The ratings of electronic components included inFIG. 3C are exemplary only and may be higher or lower in other embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment,panelboard assembly 100 is configured to be electrically connected to a three-phase AC power supply through lines L1, L2, and L3 (seeFIG. 3C ). Connection to a three-phase AC power supply is used only as an example herein.Panelboard assembly 100 may be connected to AC power supplies of other distribution configurations or a DC power supply. - In the exemplary embodiment,
main breaker assembly 102 includes threecircuit breakers 302, one for each phase of a three-phase power supply as shown inFIG. 3C as L1, L2, L3. First andsecond contactor assemblies contactors 304, also one for each phase, connected downstream frommain breaker assembly 102. First and secondbranch breaker assemblies second contactor assemblies branch circuit breakers 113 in the illustrated example. Each phase ofbranch breaker assemblies branch circuit breaker 113. Eachbranch circuit breaker 113 may be electrically connected to one or more loads such as lighting loads shown inFIG. 3C .Panelboard assembly 100 may further include one or more power distribution blocks (PDB) 306, which are used as auxiliary power connections for electrical equipment. In the depicted example,PDB 306 is used to distribute electrical power from a single input power source to multiple devices downstream. For example, for each phase L1, L2, or L3,PDB 306 receives power supply from line L1, L2, or L3 through onesingle bus 320, and supplies power tofirst subpanel assembly 138 a andsecond subpanel assembly 138 b throughseparate buses PDBs 306 eliminate the need to wire eachsubpanel assembly FIG. 3C , in further embodiments, more than twocontactors 304 may be provided and electrically connected to onemain circuit breaker 302 for each phase such that, for example only, one third of the loads connected to the panelboard may be simultaneously switched off by the respective contactors provided. As such, the number of contactors is scalable to provide any desired division of loads connected to the contactors while still maintaining a reduced footprint and cost relative to conventional panelboard solutions, as well as eliminating undesirable downtime of loads that conventional panelboard solutions entail. - In the example shown in
FIG. 3C wherein lighting loads are connected through the panelboard, lighting in one area of a harsh and/or hazardous location may be simultaneously switched off via one of the contactors while the lighting in another area may be simultaneously switched on, or vice versa. Other loads, such as motors and the like, may be connected to another panelboard such that the motors may be switched off for maintenance purposes while the lighting remains on in the areas of the motors. Likewise, interior and exterior illumination may be coordinated via the panelboard via photocells or timers for energy conservation while still providing a safe and well-lit area when needed in the harsh and/or hazardous location. The auxiliary power connections described herein also provide conventional power connections when needed that do not require access to another panelboard that may power other loads such as motors and industrial processes. Meanwhile, themain breaker assembly 102 may disconnect the entire panelboard, including thecontactor assemblies -
FIG. 4 shows anexemplary method 400 of assembling an electrical system for a harsh/hazardous environment and connecting a panelboard assembly such as that described above.Method 400 includes providing 402 a panelboard assembly. A panel board assembly may be any of thepanel board assemblies 100 described above.Method 400 further includes electrically connecting 404 the panelboard assembly to a power supply.Method 400 also includes electrically connecting 406 a first group of loads to a first branch breaker assembly of the panelboard assembly. Further,method 400 includes electrically connecting 408 a second group of loads to the second branch breaker assembly of the panelboard assembly. - Various embodiments of panelboard assemblies are described herein including dual contactor assemblies in a panelboard assembly, thereby reducing downtime of an electrical assembly where one half of the electrical loads connected to the panelboard assembly is switched on or off independently from the other half of the loads connected to the panelboard. Further, a panelboard assembly having dual contactor assemblies is enclosed in only one enclosure, thereby reducing the cost and footprint of the panelboard assembly.
- The benefits and advantages of the inventive concepts are now believed to have been amply illustrated in relation to the exemplary embodiments disclosed.
- An embodiment of a panelboard assembly for a harsh and/or hazardous environment is disclosed. The panelboard assembly includes a main breaker assembly configured to be electrically connected to a power supply, a first subpanel assembly, and a second subpanel assembly. The first subpanel assembly includes a first contactor assembly electrically connected to the main breaker assembly, and a first branch breaker assembly electrically connected to the first contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a first group of loads. The first branch breaker assembly includes one or more branch circuit breakers, and each of the one or more branch circuit breakers configured to control one or more loads in the first group of loads. The first contactor assembly is configured to switch the first group of loads on and off all at once. The second subpanel assembly is electrically connected in parallel to the first subpanel assembly, and includes a second contactor assembly electrically connected to the main breaker assembly and a second branch breaker assembly electrically connected to the second contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a second group of loads. The second branch breaker assembly includes one or more branch circuit breakers, and each of the one or more branch circuit breakers configured to control one or more loads in the second group of loads. The second contactor assembly is configured to switch the second group of loads on and off all at once.
- Optionally, the panelboard assembly further includes an enclosure enclosing the main breaker assembly, the first subpanel assembly, and the second subpanel assembly. At least one of the first contactor assembly and the second contactor assembly is switched on and off through a photoresistor. The panelboard assembly further includes a PDB electrically connected to the main breaker assembly, the first contactor assembly, and the second contactor assembly. The panelboard assembly further includes a branch panel dead front covering at least a portion of the first branch breaker assembly and at least a portion of the second branch breaker assembly, wherein the branch panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to at least one of the first branch breaker assembly and the second branch breaker assembly. The panelboard assembly further includes a main panel dead front covering at least a portion of the main breaker assembly, wherein the main panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to the main breaker assembly. The panelboard assembly further includes a mounting board, wherein the main breaker assembly, the first subpanel assembly, and the second subpanel assembly are mounted on the mounting board.
- Another embodiment of a panelboard assembly for a harsh and/or hazardous environment is disclosed. The panelboard assembly includes a first subpanel assembly, a second subpanel assembly, and an enclosure. The first subpanel assembly includes a first contactor assembly configured to be electrically connected to a power supply and a first branch breaker assembly electrically connected to the first contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a first group of loads. The first branch breaker assembly includes one or more branch circuit breakers, and each of the one or more branch circuit breakers configured to control one or more loads in the first group of loads. The first contactor assembly is configured to switch the first group of loads on and off all at once. The second subpanel assembly is electrically connected in parallel to the first subpanel assembly, and includes a second contactor assembly configured to be electrically connected to the power supply and a second branch breaker assembly electrically connected to the second contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a second group of loads. The second branch breaker assembly includes one or more branch circuit breakers, and each of the one or more branch circuit breakers configured to control one or more loads in the second group of loads. The second contactor assembly is configured to switch the second group of loads on and off all at once. The enclosure encloses the first subpanel assembly and the second subpanel assembly.
- Optionally, the panelboard assembly further includes a main breaker assembly electrically connected to the first subpanel assembly and the second subpanel assembly, the main breaker assembly configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to the power supply. The panelboard assembly further includes a PDB electrically connected to the main breaker assembly, the first subpanel assembly, and the second subpanel assembly. The panelboard assembly further includes a main panel dead front covering at least a portion of the main breaker assembly, wherein the main panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to the main breaker assembly. The panelboard assembly further includes a mounting board, wherein the first subpanel assembly and the second subpanel assembly are mounted on the mounting board. At least one of the first contactor assembly and the second contactor assembly is switched on and off through a photoresistor. The panelboard assembly further includes a branch panel dead front covering at least a portion of the first branch breaker assembly and at least a portion of the second branch breaker assembly, wherein the branch panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to at least one of the first branch breaker assembly and the second branch breaker assembly.
- An embodiment of a method of assembling an electrical assembly for a harsh and/or hazardous environment is provided. The method includes providing a panelboard assembly. The panelboard assembly includes a main breaker assembly configured to be electrically connected to a power supply, a first subpanel assembly, and a second subpanel assembly. The first subpanel assembly includes a first contactor assembly electrically connected to the main breaker assembly, and a first branch breaker assembly electrically connected to the first contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a first group of loads. The first branch breaker assembly includes one or more branch circuit breakers, and each of the one or more branch circuit breakers configured to control one or more loads in the first group of loads. The first contactor assembly is configured to switch the first group of loads on and off all at once. The second subpanel assembly is electrically connected in parallel to the first subpanel assembly, and includes a second contactor assembly electrically connected to the main breaker assembly and a second branch breaker assembly electrically connected to the second contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a second group of loads. The second branch breaker assembly includes one or more branch circuit breakers, and each of the one or more branch circuit breakers configured to control one or more loads in the second group of loads. The second contactor assembly is configured to switch the second group of loads on and off all at once. The method also includes electrically connecting the panelboard assembly to the power supply by electrically connecting the main breaker assembly to the power supply. The method further includes electrically connecting the first group of loads to the first branch breaker assembly by electrically connecting one of the one or more branch circuit breakers of the first branch breaker assembly with the one or more loads in the first group of loads. In addition, the method includes electrically connecting the second group of loads to the second branch breaker assembly by electrically connecting one of the one or more branch circuit breakers of the second branch breaker assembly with the one or more loads in the second group of loads.
- Optionally, the panelboard assembly further includes an enclosure enclosing the main breaker assembly, the first subpanel assembly, and the second subpanel assembly. At least one of the first contactor assembly and the second contactor assembly is switched on and off through a photoresistor. The panelboard assembly further includes a branch panel dead front covering at least a portion of the first branch breaker assembly and at least a portion of the second branch breaker assembly, wherein the branch panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to at least one of the first branch breaker assembly and the second branch breaker assembly. The panelboard assembly further includes a main panel dead front covering at least a portion of the main breaker assembly, wherein the main panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to the main breaker assembly. The panelboard assembly further includes a mounting board, wherein the main breaker assembly, the first subpanel assembly, and the second subpanel assembly are mounted on the mounting board.
- While exemplary embodiments of components, assemblies and systems are described, variations of the components, assemblies and systems are possible to achieve similar advantages and effects. Specifically, the shape and the geometry of the components and assemblies, and the relative locations of the components in the assembly, may be varied from that described and depicted without departing from inventive concepts described. Also, in certain embodiments certain components in the assemblies described may be omitted to accommodate particular types of panelboard assemblies, or the needs of particular installations, while still providing cost effective panelboard assemblies for electrical wiring or cabling.
- This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Claims (20)
1. A panelboard assembly, comprising:
a plurality of subpanel assemblies electrically connected to a three-phase power supply from a main breaker assembly, wherein each of the subpanel assemblies comprises:
a contactor assembly electrically connected to the three-phase power supply; and
a branch breaker assembly electrically connected to a load side of the contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a group of loads, the branch breaker assembly including a plurality of branch circuit breakers, and each of the plurality of branch circuit breakers is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to a respective one or more loads in the group of loads,
wherein the contactor assembly is configured to connect or disconnect power to the branch breaker assembly and to the group of loads all at once; and
three power distribution blocks (PDBs) electrically connected to the three-phase power supply, wherein each of the three PDBs is associated with a phase of the three-phase power supply, wherein the three PDBs are disposed downstream of the main breaker assembly and upstream of the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies, wherein each of the three PDBs is configured to receive electrical power through a single bus and distribute the received electrical power to the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies via separate buses.
2. The panelboard assembly of claim 1 , further comprising an enclosure enclosing the plurality of subpanel assemblies.
3. The panelboard assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of subpanel assemblies is switched on and off through a photoresistor.
4. The panelboard assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a branch panel dead front covering at least a portion of each of the branch breaker assemblies, wherein the branch panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to at least one of the branch breaker assemblies.
5. The panelboard assembly of claim 1 , wherein the main breaker assembly is electrically connected to the plurality of subpanel assemblies, the main breaker assembly configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to the three-phase power supply.
6. The panelboard assembly of claim 5 , further comprising a main panel dead front covering at least a portion of the main breaker assembly, wherein the main panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to the main breaker assembly.
7. The panelboard assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a mounting board, wherein the plurality of subpanel assemblies are mounted on the mounting board.
8. A panelboard assembly, comprising:
a main breaker assembly configured to be electrically connected to a three-phase power supply;
a plurality of subpanel assemblies electrically connected to the three-phase power supply from the main breaker assembly, wherein each of the subpanel assemblies comprises:
a branch breaker assembly electrically connected to a load side of the main breaker assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a group of loads, the branch breaker assembly including a plurality of branch circuit breakers, and each of the plurality of branch circuit breakers is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to a respective one or more loads in the group of loads; and
three power distribution blocks (PDBs) electrically connected to the three-phase power supply, wherein each of the three PDBs is associated with a phase of the three-phase power supply, wherein the three PDBs are disposed downstream of the main breaker assembly and upstream of the branch breaker assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies, wherein each of the three PDBs is configured to receive electrical power through a single bus and distribute the received electrical power to the branch breaker assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies via separate buses.
9. The panelboard assembly of claim 8 , further comprising an enclosure enclosing the plurality of subpanel assemblies.
10. The panelboard assembly of claim 8 , wherein at least one of the plurality of subpanel assemblies is switched on and off through a photoresistor.
11. The panelboard assembly of claim 8 , further comprising a branch panel dead front covering at least a portion of each of the branch breaker assemblies, wherein the branch panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to at least one of the branch breaker assemblies.
12. The panelboard assembly of claim 8 , wherein the main breaker assembly configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to the three-phase power supply.
13. The panelboard assembly of claim 12 , further comprising a main panel dead front covering at least a portion of the main breaker assembly, wherein the main panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to the main breaker assembly.
14. The panelboard assembly of claim 8 , further comprising a mounting board, wherein the plurality of subpanel assemblies are mounted on the mounting board.
15. A panelboard assembly, comprising:
a plurality of subpanel assemblies electrically connected to a three-phase power supply, wherein each of the subpanel assemblies comprises:
a branch breaker assembly electrically connected to the power supply and configured to be electrically connected to a group of loads, the branch breaker assembly including a plurality of branch circuit breakers, and each of the plurality of branch circuit breakers is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to a respective one or more loads in the group of loads;
an enclosure enclosing the plurality of subpanel assemblies; and
three power distribution blocks (PDBs) electrically connected to the three-phase power supply, wherein each of the three PDBs is associated with a phase of the three-phase power supply, wherein the three PDBs are disposed downstream of the three-phase power supply and upstream of the branch breaker assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies, wherein each of the three PDBs is configured to receive electrical power through a single bus and distribute the received electrical power to the branch breaker assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies via separate buses.
16. The panelboard assembly of claim 15 , wherein at least one of the plurality of subpanel assemblies is switched on and off through a photoresistor.
17. The panelboard assembly of claim 15 , further comprising a branch panel dead front covering at least a portion of each of the branch breaker assembly, wherein the branch panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to at least one of the branch breaker assembly.
18. The panelboard assembly of claim 15 , further comprising a main breaker assembly electrically connected to the plurality of subpanel assemblies, the main breaker assembly configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to the three-phase power supply.
19. The panelboard assembly of claim 18 , further comprising a main panel dead front covering at least a portion of the main breaker assembly, wherein the main panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to the main breaker assembly.
20. The panelboard assembly of claim 15 , further comprising a mounting board, wherein the plurality of subpanel assemblies are mounted on the mounting board.
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-
2020
- 2020-12-10 CA CA3102205A patent/CA3102205A1/en active Pending
- 2020-12-10 US US17/117,659 patent/US11799272B2/en active Active
- 2020-12-11 MX MX2020013522A patent/MX2020013522A/en unknown
- 2020-12-12 CO CONC2020/0015628A patent/CO2020015628A1/en unknown
- 2020-12-14 CN CN202011475900.3A patent/CN112993766A/en active Pending
- 2020-12-14 EP EP20213946.5A patent/EP3836180A1/en active Pending
- 2020-12-14 SG SG10202012470XA patent/SG10202012470XA/en unknown
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2023
- 2023-09-05 US US18/461,338 patent/US20230420921A1/en active Pending
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SG10202012470XA (en) | 2021-07-29 |
EP3836180A1 (en) | 2021-06-16 |
US11799272B2 (en) | 2023-10-24 |
CO2020015628A1 (en) | 2022-06-21 |
US20210184438A1 (en) | 2021-06-17 |
MX2020013522A (en) | 2021-11-12 |
CA3102205A1 (en) | 2021-06-13 |
CN112993766A (en) | 2021-06-18 |
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