POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION

17

MCB Operating Characteristics for Type B, C and D

wherever a Type AC or Type A device is specified, as they provide the same functionality as these types and more. But what of Type S RCCBs? These are selective devices intended for use where circuits include more than one RCCB. For example, an installation could include an upstream RCCB to provide protection for several downstream circuits, some of which also have their own RCCB or RCBO. If an earth fault occurs on one of the downstream circuits with an RCCB or RCBO, this device should trip rather than the upstream RCCB. Using a Type S RCCB for the upstream device will provide the necessary selectivity. Now lets turn to RCBOs. In principle, as these are functionally an MCB and an RCCB in the same device, it would be possible to produce versions with a huge range of combinations of MCB and RCCB characteristics. In practice, manufacturers limit themselves to the most commonly used combinations, such as a Type B or C MCB characteristic with a Type A or AC RCCB characteristic. Where other combinations are needed, it often means that an RCBO cant be used and that the necessary protection must be provided by using a separate MCB and RCCB. Some manufacturers, however, offer fieldfittable residual current units that can be used to convert an MCB into an RCBO, and this makes possible a wider range of combinations. Two interesting new product developments are worth mentioning at this point. The first is that in addition to standard RCBOs, which are bigger than an ordinary MCB, leading manufacturers are now offering compact RCBOs that save space in consumer units or
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distribution boards and are easier to wire. These compact devices are usually available with the same combinations of characteristics as standard RCBOs. The second development is the recent introduction of RCCBs utilising digital electronic technology, which offer a very wide range of characteristics and are particularly suitable for use in difficult applications, such as the protection of circuits supplying large numbers of fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts. This article has looked only at operating characteristics for protection devices and is intended to provide guidance on choosing the

best type of device for use in specific applications. When choosing individual devices, however, there are many other factors that must be taken into account including the current rating for MCBs and RCBOs, the sensitivity for RCCBs and RCBOs, and the short circuit capacity for all devices. Theres no room to cover these factors here, but comprehensive guidance can be found in the IET Wiring Regulations to which reference should, of course, be made when designing any type of electrical installation. Additionally, leading suppliers of protection devices, such as Eaton, are always happy to provide expert advice and guidance.

XEffect circuit breakers

18 DRIVES AND CONTROLS

HYDRAULIC ACTUATION MAKES WAY FOR ELECTRIC

At a recent conference hosted by Rolls Royce in Filton, the company revealed a roadmap that clearly defined its vision for both its marine and aircraft divisions for the next five years. This roadmap demonstrates a move away from hydraulic actuation and towards electromechanical actuation. Here Piers Olsen, of Olsen Engineering UK, explains why this is a sensible choice for design engineers across the board

he MoD has also shown an inclination to move away from hydraulic to electric actuation, and

manufacturing companies like BAE now see the future in all-electric actuation because of reduced fire risk oil, leaks and reduced maintenance. In the US, the Office of Naval Research has already stated, The move to integrated all-electric designs will significantly improve efficiency, effectiveness and survivability while simultaneously increasing design flexibility, reducing costs and enhancing quality of service. The key benefits of servo electric actuation are reduced cost, elimination of the need for sophisticated hydraulic controls and simpler logistical setup and maintenance. Furthermore, there is no hydraulic fluid pumping system, which is susceptible to leaks of flammable and carcinogenic oil, and has been the cause of numerous aircraft incidents over the last 10-20 years. Electric actuation makes military vehicles, crafts and vessels less vulnerable in combat. In aircraft, for example, it does away with hydraulic lines in fuselage and wing box, is light weight and facilitates smaller aircraft and unmanned aircraft design. increase the amount of electrically powered

ALL-ELECTRIC DESIGN
Increased efficiency is another major benefit as there is only one energy conversion process. The trend towards all-electric design is fuelling this development. On ships for example, the prime mover, such as a fuel-burning turbine, will convert the energy directly to electricity for powering motors and actuators around the vessel, instead of conventional mechanical power transmission, including the motors driving the propellers. Soon all the hatches, valves and firing
Electrical Review April 2013

Electric actuation makes military vehicles and crafts less vulnerable in combat
mechanisms will be electrically powered as well. According to US publication Military and Aerospace Electronics, electric power is already the solution for industrial applications that need tremendous torque. Designers of military vehicles, in fact, see electric power as the next great frontier. The IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) has also stated there is a general move in the aerospace industry to

equipment on future aircraft. High power electric actuation systems are being proposed on many new aircraft. Most new aircraft designs now use electrically actuated ball screws driven by electric motors for the spoilers, some flaps and flight controls instead of hydraulic motors. Installation time and cost is one of the biggest issues of hydraulics, because piping a kilometre or two of hydraulic hose requires minimum radius bending and screwing in for attachment to bulkheads in order to withstand vibration. In contrast, an electric cable simply attaches by means of cable ties and is easily fed through from one space to another. The latest US surface fleet features a number of aircraft carriers sporting several hundred Exlar electric actuators for hatches, loading mechanisms, jet blast doors, deflectors, lifts, firing pins and winches. In the UK, Exlar actuators have found applications in a Queen