Category Archive: Building

Your Ultimate Q&A on Power Bus Systems

What is a decentralized power bus system?

A decentralized power bus system typically refers to an electrical power distribution system that is designed to manage electrical power in a decentralized or distributed manner over multiple points. In a decentralized power bus system, the power distribution is streamlined, and power is supplied closer to the point of use.

Figure 1 A typical centralized power system

How does a decentralized power bus system differ from a centralized one?

In traditional power distribution systems, power is often centralized and transmitted over long distances from power supply cabinets to various machines or motor drives.  Decentralized power distribution significantly simplifies the power pathway by reducing the physical distance between a piece of equipment and its power source.

Figure 2 A Decentralized system using podis

What are the key components of a decentralized power bus system?

Two key components of a decentralized power distribution system are a multi-wire main power bus cable and tap-off modules.  The tap-off modules are designed to connect and draw power from the bus cable to individual devices, such as motors on a conveyor line.

Depending on the system and application scenario, the incoming power could come by one of the taps or through an incomer box.

Figure 3 Components of the podis power bus

What advantages does a decentralized power bus system offer?

A decentralized power bus system offers multiple advantages to modern factories. Firstly, it significantly simplifies the design and fabrication of power infrastructure within factories and warehouses that use large conveying systems or machine cells.  Significant cost reductions are achieved by minimizing complex wiring and associated electrical conduits throughout the factory or warehouse.

A decentralized power distribution system using a power bus also adds flexibility to power infrastructure by allowing motors and machinery to be connected and disconnected anywhere along the bus quickly and easily. This allows factories to effortlessly and rapidly adapt by shortening commission time.

Lastly, and unique to the podis® system, is the considerably accelerated installation time. The unique taps take only minutes to install, saving valuable time during deployment and subsequent changes.

Are there any disadvantages or challenges associated with decentralized power systems?

Some decentralized systems use an insulation piercing technology (IPT) which can be destructive to the copper conductor of the main power cable, resulting in voltage drop and deterioration of the system over time. However, newer technologies such as the podis® power bus use a non-damaging copper displacement technology which prolongs the system’s performance and lifespan.

Figure 5 Copper Displacement

What applications are best suited for decentralized power bus systems?

Applications such as large conveyor systems used in airport baggage handling or warehouse automation are perfect applications for decentralized power bus systems.  In addition, automated machining centers and material handling equipment also work well with decentralized power.

How are faults managed in a decentralized power bus system?

Managing faults in a decentralized power bus system involves a combination of protective measures, monitoring, and control strategies to ensure the reliability and safety of the system. Integrated circuit breakers or fuses, current monitoring sensors at the start of a power bus or temperature sensors placed on equipment or motors may all be integrated into a decentralized bus system.

What standards exist for decentralized power bus systems?

In the US, standards such as UL 2875 (Signal and Power Distribution for Industrial Control) and UL 1277 (Standard for Electrical Power and Control Tray Cables) dictate the use of power bus distribution systems.

 

EV Charging Infrastructure Summit 2023

EV Charging Infrastructure Summit 2023

July 11th & 12th, Chicago IL

Join us at the 3rd Annual EV Charging Infrastructure Summit – North America in Chicago! Organized by the Smart Grid Observer, this event is set to take place on July 11-12, 2023, and bring together industry experts and utility professionals to explore the impact of growing electric vehicle (EV) adoption rates on the grid.

We are thrilled to invite you to an exciting presentation on how to use a decentralized power distribution system to increase the efficiency and flexibility of EV charger installations.

Title: Running Multiple EV Charges on One Circuit With a Decentralized Power Bus

Date & Time: July 11th @ 3.30 PM 

Presenter: Jim Cahaly, Business Development Manager, Intralogistics and Integrated Services, Wieland Electric Inc.

Decentralized power distribution offers a myriad of advantages that optimize power usage, reduce material costs, expedite installation, and maximize EV charger unit uptime. By running multiple EV charges on a single circuit, this innovative approach brings about significant cost savings and simplifies the overall design process.

Join us for an insightful presentation that delves into the components of a decentralized power distribution system and explores how power can be efficiently distributed to multiple EV chargers. Here’s a glimpse of what will be covered:

  1. Innovative wiring practices beyond traditional pipe and wire: faster and more flexible installation of EV charging stations.
  2. Decentralized power bus system and how it works: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the decentralized power bus system podis® and its functionalities. Learn how this system facilitates the distribution of power to multiple EV chargers on one bus.
  3. Core components of a decentralized power bus distribution system: Explore the essential components that make up the podis® decentralized power bus distribution system.
  4. Time-saving benefits of a decentralized power bus distribution system: Uncover how implementing a decentralized power bus distribution system saves valuable installation time and reduces errors. Learn about the streamlined processes and efficient workflows that result from this approach.
  5. Basic initial power set-up for running multiple charge stations on one circuit: Obtain practical insights into setting up the initial power configuration to accommodate multiple charge stations on a single circuit. Discover best practices and key considerations for optimal performance and maximum capacity utilization.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your knowledge of decentralized power distribution and unlock the full potential of your EV charging set-up. Register Here